Billie Morgan

TUPELO – Billie Jean Murdock Morgan, 76, died on Friday, June 8, 2012, at Sanctuary Hospice House after a brief illness. She was the youngest of seven children born to E.C. and Lula Bruce Murdock on Aug. 9, 1935, in the Geeville community in Prentiss County. She married Harold R. Morgan on May 31, 1958. She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and friend to so many.

After graduating from Baldwyn High School in 1954, she began a long retail career. Through the years she worked in several area businesses and built many dear friendships. She loved being with people and people loved her spirit of kindness and giving. She made everyone she met feel instantly comfortable and special. Known to so many as “Miss Billie,” she worked at several stores in Booneville before owning a women’s and children’s apparel store, Tots N Teens (later named Clothes Closet) in Booneville from 1978-1988. When she sold the business, another door opened called The Velveteen Rabbit in Tupelo, where she worked from the early 1990s until the store closed in 1997, and then again worked for Jim and Lisa Hawkins at Room to Room until January 2012.

It was in 1997 that she began a favorite time in her life, being a grandmother. After a few more years, she finally convinced her husband, Harold R. Morgan, that they needed to be closer to “the boys.” in the summer of 2005 they moved to Tupelo and later that year joined Calvary Baptist Church. Prior to moving to Tupelo, she had been a faithful member of First Baptist Church in Booneville since 1958. She taught children’s Sunday School for many years. She was a woman of great faith who led those who knew her by a strong example. Her great love for people was evident by her every word, deed and action.

A time of celebrating her life will be on Sunday, June 10, at 2 p.m. at Waters Funeral Home in Baldwyn. Dr. David Eldridge will officiate. Burial will be in the Booneville Cemetery.

Billie is survived by her husband of 55 years, Harold R. Morgan. She is also survived by her daughter, Gretta Morgan, Oxford; her son, Greg Morgan (Susie), Tupelo; her two grandsons, Noel and Eric Morgan; two sisters, Mattie Chisholm, Waverly, Tenn., and Bruce Furtick, Rienzi; and countless nieces and nephews.

She is preceded in death by her parents, E.C. and Lula Bruce Murdock; two brothers, Martin Murdock and William Murdock; two sisters, Jewell Estell and Sara Nell Gentry.

Pallbearers are Reggie Furtick, Todd Rickman, Donnie Chisholm, Billy Swindoll, Randy Russell and Tommy Green.

Memorial donations may be made to the Sanctuary Hospice House or Calvary Baptist Church, Tupelo, MS.

Visitation will be from 5 to 8 p.m. today, June 9, and one hour prior to service time on Sunday, June 10, 2012, at Waters Funeral Home.

Kenny Hollimon

OKOLONA – Charles Kenneth “Kenny” Hollimon died Friday, May 8, 2012, at Sanctuary Hospice House. He was born April 4, 1956, to Charles and Joyce Hollimon in Okolona. He attended Okolona High School and was employed by Eljer’s Plumbing in Verona.

Kenny’s life calling was to the ministry. He had a love for God and sharing His word with others. Although his life was shortened due to illness, he truly was a symbol of love, strength and determination for all who knew him. He will be missed by those fortunate enough to have known and loved him.

A celebration of life service will be at 2 p.m. Sunday, June 10, 2012, at the Okolona Chapel of Holland Funeral Directors with the Rev. Jay Stanley officiating. Private burial will follow in Boone’s Chapel Cemetery. Visitation will be today from 5 to 8 p.m. and Sunday from 1 p.m. to service time.

He was preceded in death by his father, Charles Albert Hollimon, and his son, Kenneth Chadwick Hollimon.

Survivors include his loving mother and caregiver, Joyce Hollimon; son, Micha Brian Holliman of Guntown; dear friend and caregiver, Patsy Malcomb of Houlka; brothers, Joey Hollimon and Mitch Hollimon, both of Okolona; sister, Kim Nicholson (Jon) of Saltillo; one granddaughter, Shayla Underwood; two nieces, Jona and Hollie-Beth Nicholson, one nephew, Dawson Nicholson, and his loyal caregiver, Adalea McMillian.

Pallbearers will be Curtis Maharrey, Ronnie Warren, Chuck Tackett, Shane May, Phillip Ray and Tony Ray.

Condolences may be emailed to hollandfuneraldirectors@comcast.net.

Rick Evans

NEW ALBANY - Rickey Lynn "Rick" Evans, 59, died Thursday, June 7, 2012, at North Mississippi Medical Center in Tupelo. He was born Dec. 11, 1952, in Memphis to Winford Evans and Jerlene Moss Evans Tillman. He was employed as a truck driver for more than 30 years. He was a member of the Ingomar Baptist Church. He loved God, his family, and his friends. He had an exceptional sense of humor and loved making people laugh.

Services will be at 2 p.m. today at the United Funeral Service Chapel with the Rev. Clyde Pound officiating. Burial will be in Glenfield Memorial Park. United Funeral Service in New Albany is in charge of arrangements.

He is survived by his wife, Deborah Wallis Evans of New Albany; his mother, Jerlene Moss Evans Tillman (Henry) of New Albany; two daughters, Summer Evans Allen (Scotty) of Mantachie and Pam Warren Jarvis (Brent) of New Albany; three sons, Lance Evans (Brandy) of New Albany, Corey Evans of Evergreen and Cameron Warren (Jena) of Madison; three sisters, Shirley Evans Wimbs (Cecil) of Athens, Ga., Debbie Herman (Tom) of Etowah, N.C., and Marcia Jackson (Ricky) of Etowah, N.C.; a brother, Bobby Evans of Savannah, Ga.; six grandchildren, Tyler Warren, Kaitlin and Jackson Allen, Katie and Landon Evans, and Aidan Warren; and the mother of his children, Kathy Brown Evans.

He was preceded in death by his father, Winford Evans.

Pallbearers will be Kelvis Wallis, Lee Collier, Charles Gammel, Brent Kennemore, Brandon Mardis, Allen Wimbs, Kevin Wimbs, Chad Gailor, Lance Evans and Corey Evans.

Memorials may be made to Ingomar Baptist Church Outreach Ministry, 1112 County Road 90, New Albany, MS 38652.

For online condolences, visit unitedfuneralservice.com.

Mable Claburn

HOULKA - Mable Dyson Claburn, 95, died Thursday, June 7, 2012, at Trace Regional Hospital in Houston after an extended illness. She was born April 26, 1917, in Union County to George W. Dyson and Dovie Moore Dyson. She worked for many years as a waitress in the food service industry. She lived a happy, healthy life until becoming ill the past year. She loved gardening, working in the yard and burning leaves. With a caring personality, she loved her family and her neighbors.

A celebration of life service will be at 10 a.m. today at the Okolona Chapel of Holland Funeral Directors with the Rev. Bobby Lynn Brock officiating. Private burial will take place in Vista Memorial Gardens in New Albany. Visitation will be from 9 a.m. to service time today at the Okolona Chapel. Holland Funeral Directors, Okolona Chapel is in charge of the arrangements.

Survivors include her grandchildren, J.R. Kilgore (Tina) of Houlka, David Kilgore of Birmingham, Ala., Phyllis White of Memphis, Tenn., Tony Houston of Tupelo and Nathaniel McLennon of Hernando; seven great-grandchildren; 11 great-great-grandchildren; and special friends, Joyce Jolly, Opalena Spraggins, Emma Moore and Patsy Jean Holcomb.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Clifton P. Claburn; eight siblings; and two daughters and sons-in-law, Shirley Kilgore (Howard) and Sue McLennon (Sammy).

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to New Hope United Methodist Church, 148 CR 137, Houlka, MS 38850.

Condolences may be emailed to hollandfuneraldirectors@comcast.net.

Sandra Howell

AMORY - Sandra Howell, 57, died Friday, June 8, 2012, at North Mississippi Medical Center in Tupelo. Arrangements are incomplete and will be announced later by E.E. Pickle Funeral Home in Amory.

Memories and condolences may be shared with the family at eepicklefuneralhome.com.

Maxine Feazell

CORINTH - Maxine Feazell, 76, died Friday, June 8, 2012, at her home. Arrangements are incomplete and will be announced later by Memorial Funeral Home of Corinth.

Peggy Mutchler

OXFORD - Margaret "Peggy" Hopper Mutchler, 83, died Tuesday, June 5, 2012, at her home in Oxford.

Services will be at 3 p.m. today at Coleman Funeral Home Chapel in Oxford.

Visitation will be from 2 p.m. to service time today.

Memorials may be made to the Interfaith Compassion Ministry, 904 N. Lamar, Oxford, MS 38655; or Church Women United Children's Fund, Dr. Elsie Pugh, Treasurer, 22 County Road 125, Oxford, MS 38655.

Online condolences may be left at www.colemanfuneralhome.com.

Andrew Bishop

SALTILLO - Andrew Nathaniel Bishop, 78, died Thursday, June 7, 2012, at his home in Saltillo after a lengthy illness. The son of William Arthur and Mable E. Cook Bishop, he was born Aug. 28, 1933, in the Friendship community of Lee County. He graduated from Guntown High School and Mississippi State University with a bachelor of science degree. He worked for Delta Chemical of Memphis for many years and retired from the Shelby County government. He loved painting, photography, canoeing and local history, having compiled two historical books about Memphis. He married Elleine Jo Fowler of Memphis on Aug. 10, 1957, and they had two children. After the death of his wife in 2000, he moved back to the Lee County area and later married Linda Roberts.

Services will be at 2 p.m. today at Guntown First Baptist Church. Burial will follow at Forrest Hills South in Memphis. Waters Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

He is survived by his children, Billy (Darlene) Bishop of Memphis and Beth Wharton of Saltillo; his former wife, Linda Roberts of Ellistown; a sister, Gloria Ann Bishop (Milton) Copeland of Baldwyn; grandchildren, Joel Devon Bishop of Memphis and William Andrew Bishop Jr. of Afghanistan, Joshua Lee Wharton and Jennifer Elaine Wharton, both of Memphis, and Andrew James "A.J." Wharton of Saltillo; his sister-in-law, Janie Bishop of Baldwyn; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Jo; his parents; and five brothers, Loyd, Guy, Joe Richard, Winford "Cotton" and Marvin Bishop.

Pallbearers will be his nephews.

Visitation will be at the church prior to service time.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to First Baptist Church of Guntown.

Cathy Hopper

OXFORD - Cathy Leander Hopper, 39, died Wednesday, June 6, 2012, at Baptist Hospital East in Memphis.

Graveside services will be at 10 a.m. today at Yellow Leaf Cemetery in Oxford. Coleman Funeral Home of Oxford is in charge of the arrangements.

Online condolences may be left at www.colemanfuneralhome.com.

Joyce Peterson

IUKA - Joyce Grisham Peterson, 94, died Friday, June 8, 2012, at North Mississippi Medical Center in Iuka. She attended Harmony United Methodist Church. In her early life she enjoyed the company of her many Dean and Grisham cousins, and had fond memories of her days as a telephone operator in Pascagoula where she met her husband at a USO dance. In recent years, she enjoyed the visits of her great grandchildren, watching Wheel of Fortune and keeping track of the latest weather developments.

Services will be at 2 p.m. Sunday at Cutshall Funeral Home Chapel in Iuka with the Rev. Ronnie Goodwin officiating. Burial will be in Oak Grove Cemetery.

Survivors include one son, Gary Peterson (Shirley) of Knoxville, Tenn.; one sister, Maida Grisham of Iuka; two grandsons, Sean Peterson (Genene) and Eric Peterson (Rachel); four great-grandchildren, Ashton Peterson, Chloe Peterson, Mia Peterson and Corbin Peterson; and a special caregiver, Ailene South.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 54 years, Clifford Peterson; her parents, Marshall and Ivy Dean Grisham; a daughter, Rita Peterson; a brother, Ledgie Grisham; and a sister-in-law, Katie Mae Ramsey Grisham.

Pallbearers will be Sean Peterson, Eric Peterson, Charles Emmons, Russ Robinson, Stan Pearce, Dean Pearce, Tommy Hayes and Marty Davis.

Visitation will be from 5 until 7 p.m. today at Cutshall Funeral Home in Iuka.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Harmony United Methodist Church Fund or Cemetery Fund.

An online guestbook can be accessed at www.cutshallfuneralhome.com.

John Drewrey

OXFORD - John R. "Daddy Bill" Drewrey, 73, died Friday, June 8, 2012, at North Mississippi Medical Center in Tupelo. Born in Denmark, Miss., he was a member of Bluff Springs Baptist Church in Oxford and Monrovia Young Men's Club in Huntsville, Ala. He was a retired diesel mechanic for Meadow Gold Dairies in Huntsville, Ala. An avid storyteller, he enjoyed being outdoors, cutting his grass, tending to his horses, bushhogging, watching sports and following the Boston Celtics, and especially loved watching his grandchildren's softball games.

Services will be at 2 p.m. Sunday in the Chapel of Waller Funeral Home with Bro. Vance Vincent officiating. Burial will follow in Bluff Springs Cemetery. Visitation will be from noon until 2 p.m. at the funeral home.

Survivors include his wife, Glenda Drewrey of Oxford; one daughter, Christy Glass (Bart) of Oxford; two sons, David Drewrey (Becky) and Kenneth Drewrey (Whitney), all of Oxford; one brother, Leon Drewrey of Oxford; 10 grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.

Memorial contributions may be made to Bluff Springs Cemetery Fund, 301 County Road 277, Oxford, MS 38655.

To sign an online guestbook, visit www.wallerfuneralhome.com.

Red Lyons

SALTILLO - James "Red" Lyons, 65, died Friday, June 8, 2012, at his daughter's residence in the Springhill community. Arrangements are incomplete and will be announced later by W.E. Pegues Funeral Directors.

Lucy Greenwood

BALDWYN - Lucy Mildred Barrett Greenwood, 82, died Thursday, June 7, 2012, after a brief illness. She was retired from Memphis Catholic High School. She enjoyed gardening and volunteering at St. Thomas Church in Saltillo.

Funeral mass will be at 11 a.m. Monday at St. Thomas Church in Saltillo. Burial will follow. Waters Funeral Home of Baldwyn is in charge of the arrangements.

She is survived by her children, April (Mike) Walsh and June Greenwood, all of Memphis, and Shawn (Cheryl) Greenwood of Huntersville, N.C.; four grandchildren; and one great-granddaughter.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 25 years, William Andrew Greenwood; a son, Blaine; and her parents, Joseph Cornelius Barrett and Dorothy Fay Church.

Visitation will be from 1 to 2 p.m. Sunday at St. Ann Catholic Church Chapel in Bartlett. Rosary begins at 2 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Thomas Resurrection Ladies Club, 663 CR 683, Saltillo, MS 38866.

Russell Little

NEW ALBANY - Lee Russell Little, 91, died Thursday, June 7, 2012, at Sanctuary Hospice House in Tupelo. He was born Dec. 10, 1920, in Tippah County to Benjamin and Mary Cook Little. He was retired from International Harvester in Memphis and attended Wells Chapel Church.

Services will be at 2 p.m. Sunday at Glenfield Funeral Home in New Albany with Bro. Charlie Cooper and Bro. Michael Lumpkin officiating. Burial will be in Wells Chapel Cemetery.

Survivors include his wife, Helen Little, a son, Gary Little (Elaine), and a stepson, Randy McDaniel (Lisa), all of New Albany; four grandchildren, Sharon Duren, Joseph Little, Michelle Flake and Jason McDaniel; and six great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his daughter, Marcia Little, and his parents.

Pallbearers will be Paul Duren, Fred Bishop, Robbie Infinger, Jason McDaniel, Rob Bishop and Mike Scott.

Honorary pallbearers will be Tom Scott, Kenny Bishop, Kevin Farrow and Chris Farrow.

Visitation will be from 5 to 9 p.m. today.

Manuel Hicks

RIENZI - Manuel Lee "Duck" Hicks, 65, died Thursday, June 7, 2012, at his home.

Services will be at 2 p.m. Sunday at the Corinthian Funeral Home in Corinth. Burial will be in Christ Gospel Church Cemetery at Jacinto.

Visitation will be from 5 to 10 p.m. today at the funeral home.

Hazel Wilbanks

CORINTH - Hazel Nabors Wilbanks, 86, died Friday, June 8, 2012, at Whitfield Nursing Home.

Services will be at 11 a.m. Sunday at Corinthian Funeral Home. Burial will be in Brush Creek Cemetery.

Visitation will be from 6 to 9 p.m. today at the funeral home.

Wanda Brinson

SARDIS - Wanda Kay Moore Brinson, 58, died Thursday, June 7, 2012, at her home in Sardis.

A memorial service will be at 11 a.m. Monday at Sardis Lake Baptist Church. Wells Funeral Home of Batesville is in charge of the arrangements.

Memorials may be made to the ASPCA, c/o Linda Tiramani, 520 8th Ave., 7th Floor, New York, NY 19918 or to Le Bonheur Children's Medical Center, P.O. Box 41817, Memphis, TN 38174-1817.

Ollie Tucker

SMITHVILLE - Ollie Tucker, 76, died Friday, June 8, 2012, at his home in Smithville. Arrangements are incomplete and will be announced later by E.E. Pickle Funeral Home in Amory.

Visitation will be from 5 to 8 p.m. Sunday.

Memories and condolences may be shared with the family at eepicklefuneralhome.com.

Marilyn Verner

ST. LOUIS - Marilyn Verner, 60, died Friday, June 8, 2012, in St. Louis. Arrangements are incomplete and will be announced later by Belle Memorial Funeral Home in Aberdeen.

Ruthy Long

TUPELO - Ruthy Pearl Gardner Long died Monday, June 4, 2012, at Sanctuary Hospice House. She was born Aug. 15, 1957, to Francis and Earlie Gardner. She attended Carver High School. She was a former employee of Walmart Supercenter in Tupelo. She was the first lady of Spring Hill Missionary Baptist Church, where she served as Sunday school teacher, She was a faithful member who served the Lord with all her heart. She touched the lives of many, young and old, as a loving, caring, honest, loyal, strong woman of God.

A life celebration service will be at 11 a.m. today at Calvary Baptist Church in Tupelo with the Rev. Gary Long Sr. and the Rev. Joseph Long as eulogists. Interment will follow at the Lee Memorial Park. Grayson-Porter's Mortuary is in charge of the arrangements.

She is survived by her husband of 39 years, the Rev. Gary Long Sr. of Tupelo; two sons, Gary Long Jr. and Joseph Long; three daughters, Vanessa Long, Martina Long and Cynthia Long; her mother-in-law; Elnora Long; sisters, Edna (Sammy) Gray, Claudia Howard, Deloise Hamilton, Earlie (Odie) Johnson, Jannie Martin, Mary Perkins, Esceruinzeta (Rufus) Lauderdale and Gretter Perkins, all of Tupelo, Yvonne McCary of Chicago and Shirley Sanders of Ripley, Tenn.; five brothers, Earlie Gardner Jr. of Southvaven, Ben Gardner, James Garmon, Neal Garmon, John Garmon and John (Annie) Perkins, all of Tupelo; her daughter-in-law, Kimberly Long of Tupelo; 10 grandchildren; two aunts, Frances Pegues of Pontotoc and Fannie Webb of Beloit, Wis.

She was preceded in death by her parents; two brothers, Jimmy Carr and Frank Gardner; and her father-in-law, Hazel Long Sr.

The body will be placed in the church one hour prior to service time today.

Online condolences may be made to the Long/Gardner families at www.grayson-porters.com.

Billie Morgan

TUPELO - Billie Jean Murdock Morgan, 76, died on Friday, June 8, 2012, at Sanctuary Hospice House after a brief illness. She was the youngest of seven children born to E.C. and Lula Bruce Murdock on Aug. 9, 1935, in the Geeville community in Prentiss County. She married Harold R. Morgan on May 31, 1958. She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and friend to so many.

After graduating from Baldwyn High School in 1954, she began a long retail career. Through the years she worked in several area businesses and built many dear friendships. She loved being with people and people loved her spirit of kindness and giving. She made everyone she met feel instantly comfortable and special. Known to so many as "Miss Billie," she worked at several stores in Booneville before owning a women's and children's apparel store, Tots N Teens (later named Clothes Closet) in Booneville from 1978-1988. When she sold the business, another door opened called The Velveteen Rabbit in Tupelo, where she worked from the early 1990s until the store closed in 1997, and then again worked for Jim and Lisa Hawkins at Room to Room until January 2012.

It was in 1997 that she began a favorite time in her life, being a grandmother. After a few more years, she finally convinced her husband, Harold R. Morgan, that they needed to be closer to "the boys." in the summer of 2005 they moved to Tupelo and later that year joined Calvary Baptist Church. Prior to moving to Tupelo, she had been a faithful member of First Baptist Church in Booneville since 1958. She taught children's Sunday School for many years. She was a woman of great faith who led those who knew her by a strong example. Her great love for people was evident by her every word, deed and action.

A time of celebrating her life will be on Sunday, June 10, at 2 p.m. at Waters Funeral Home in Baldwyn. Dr. David Eldridge will officiate. Burial will be in the Booneville Cemetery.

Billie is survived by her husband of 55 years, Harold R. Morgan. She is also survived by her daughter, Gretta Morgan, Oxford; her son, Greg Morgan (Susie), Tupelo; her two grandsons, Noel and Eric Morgan; two sisters, Mattie Chisholm, Waverly, Tenn., and Bruce Furtick, Rienzi; and countless nieces and nephews.

She is preceded in death by her parents, E.C. and Lula Bruce Murdock; two brothers, Martin Murdock and William Murdock; two sisters, Jewell Estell and Sara Nell Gentry.

Pallbearers are Reggie Furtick, Todd Rickman, Donnie Chisholm, Billy Swindoll, Randy Russell and Tommy Green.

Memorial donations may be made to the Sanctuary Hospice House or Calvary Baptist Church, Tupelo, MS.

Visitation will be from 5 to 8 p.m. today, June 9, and one hour prior to service time on Sunday, June 10, 2012, at Waters Funeral Home.

Kenny Hollimon

OKOLONA - Charles Kenneth "Kenny" Hollimon died Friday, June 8, 2012, at Sanctuary Hospice House. He was born April 4, 1956, to Charles and Joyce Hollimon in Okolona. He attended Okolona High School and was employed by Eljer's Plumbing in Verona.

Kenny's life calling was to the ministry. He had a love for God and sharing His word with others. Although his life was shortened due to illness, he truly was a symbol of love, strength and determination for all who knew him. He will be missed by those fortunate enough to have known and loved him.

A celebration of life service will be at 2 p.m. Sunday, June 10, 2012, at the Okolona Chapel of Holland Funeral Directors with the Rev. Jay Stanley officiating. Private burial will follow in Boone's Chapel Cemetery. Visitation will be today from 5 to 8 p.m. and Sunday from 1 p.m. to service time.

He was preceded in death by his father, Charles Albert Hollimon, and his son, Kenneth Chadwick Hollimon.

Survivors include his loving mother and caregiver, Joyce Hollimon; son, Micha Brian Holliman of Guntown; dear friend and caregiver, Patsy Malcomb of Houlka; brothers, Joey Hollimon and Mitch Hollimon, both of Okolona; sister, Kim Nicholson (Jon) of Saltillo; one granddaughter, Shayla Underwood; two nieces, Jona and Hollie-Beth Nicholson, one nephew, Dawson Nicholson, and his loyal caregiver, Adalea McMillian.

Pallbearers will be Curtis Maharrey, Ronnie Warren, Chuck Tackett, Shane May, Phillip Ray and Tony Ray.

Condolences may be emailed to hollandfuneraldirectors@ comcast.net.