William O. Baker

TUPELO - William O. Baker, 81, died Sunday, March 1, 2009, at the Meadows Health Care Center in Fulton after a brief illness. Arrangements are incomplete and will be announced later by W.E. Pegues Funeral Directors of Tupelo.

Tom Ellis

FULTON - Tom Ellis died Sunday, March 1, 2009, at Darlington Oaks in Verona. Arrangements are incomplete and will be announced later by Senter Funeral Home of Fulton.

Carrie-Mae

D. Richardson

CONYERS, GA. - Carrie-Mae Despenza Richardson , 80, died Monday, Feb. 23, 2009, at the Rockdale Hospital in Conyers, Ga. She was a lifelong resident of New Orleans until hurricane Katrina. She relocated to Conyers, Ga., until her death. She was a member of the St. Phillip the Apostle Catholic Church and The Knights of Peter Claver amp& Ladies Auxiliary, Christ the King Court #123 in New Orleans, La.

A Mass of Christian Burial was held at 10 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 28, 2009, at the Corpus Christi Catholic Church in New Orleans, La. Interment followed at the Mount Olivet Mausoleum in New Orleans, La. Fields Funeral Home of Okolona was in charge of the arrangements.

Survivors include three sons, Arthur Richardson Jr. of Dallas, Tx., Donald Richardson (Georgia) of Okolona and Michael Richardson of Conyers Ga.; two daughters, Pearl Williams of Philadelphia, Pa. and Cherylle Bartholomew (Charles) of Conyers, Ga.; a sister, Jeanne-Ellen Despenza; two sisters-in-law, Rosie Despenza and Alice Richardson; and a host of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Arthur Richardson Sr.; daughter, Ingrid Richardson; three brothers, James Despenza, Edgar amp"Billy-Boyamp" Hymel and Wayne Roth.

Fleda Carlisle

AMORY - Fleda Carlisle, 81, died Sunday, March 1, 2009, at the Oak Tree Plantation in Amory. Arrangements are incomplete and will be announced later by E.E. Pickle Funeral Home of Amory.

Mildred Horton

BOONEVILLE - Mildred Sartin Horton, 92, died Sunday, March 1, 2009, at the Baptist Memorial Hospital East in Memphis, Tenn. Arrangements are incomplete and will be announced later by McMillan Funeral Home of Booneville.

Visitation will be from 5 to 9 on Tuesday.

Debbie Partin

TUPELO - Debra Susan Fowler "Debbie" Partin, 46, died suddenly on Saturday, Feb. 28, 2009, while she and her husband were leading Youth Bible Study and the First United Methodist Church in Tupelo. She was born in West Point on May 4, 1962, the daughter of Gene and Ruth Taylor Fowler. She attended Oakhill Academy in West Point from kindergarten through High School, graduating in 1980, as Valedictorian of her class. She received her undergraduate degree in 1984, from the Mississippi University for Women, graduated from the University of Mississippi School of Physical Therapy in 1986, and later received her M.A. degree in Deaf and Blind Education from the University of Southern Mississippi. She was a master physical therapist working several years at the Regional Rehabilitation Center in Tupelo for North Mississippi Physical Therapists and, at her death was employed by the North Mississippi Regional Center in Oxford working primarily with Project Run, an early intervention program for children. She married Wesley Partin on March 10, 1984, and to this union three children were born, Lynn, Drew and Chris. The Partins also housed and loved several exchange students as well as other children who benefited from their love and guidance. She grew up in the First Christian Church of West Point where her family has long attended and was for the last many years an active, faithful and beloved member of the First United Methodist Church of Tupelo. She and Wesley were stellar supporters of the Church youth and devoted untold hours to their spiritual welfare. She was an Ambassador with the Invitation Service at FUMC, an usher and master greeter. For many years, she served as a Youth Camp Leader in the Christian Church and was affectionately known as "Bumper" by the youth and their parents. She enjoyed life to the fullest, like to crochet, cook large meals, read especially the obituaries in the local paper and volunteered extensively with Habitat for Humanity and Hill Top. In death, she gave the gift of life as an organ donor. She will be sorely missed by a grateful family, Church and community.

Services will be at 7 p.m. tonight from the Sanctuary of the First United Church in Tupelo with Rev. Any Ray, Rev. Raigan Miskelly, Rev. Jimmy Criddle and Corey Truett officiating. Her ashes will be scattered in the Spring on a Buffalo River excursion by family and friends. Holland-Harris Funeral Directors is in charge of the arrangements.

Survivors include her husband, Wesley; her children, Lynn (Steve Robertson), Drew and Chris, all of Tupelo; her parents, Gene and Ruth Fowler of West Point; a sister, Angie Fowler Gray (George) of Birmingham, Ala.; her mother-in-law, Virginia Partin of West Point; her brother-in-law, Rev. Terry Partin (Sue) of Richton; nephew, Matthew; several aunts, uncles, cousins and her extended family at FUMC in Tupelo and First Christian Church in West Point; and her first grandchild, due in June.

Memorials may be made to the First United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 854, Tupelo, MS 38802; Habitat for Humanity, 213 W. Main, Tupelo, MS 38804; or to the First Christian Church, P.O. Box 208, West Point, MS 39773.

David Fletcher

BALDWYN - David Andrew Fletcher, 21, died Saturday, Feb. 28, 2009. He was born Dec. 21, 1987, in Tupelo and graduated from Saltillo High School in 2006. He attended Itawamba Community College and had worked at Normans Superette in Baldwyn since 2003, making many friends there. He was very active in the school choir and FFA for several years and was a cheerleader during his senior year. He attended Euclatubba Baptist Church.

Services will be at 2 p.m. Tuesday at Waters Funeral Home with Bro. Toby Mears officiating. Burial will be in the Friendship Cemetery. Waters Funeral Home of Baldwyn is in charge of the arrangements.

Survivors include his parents, Skip and Michelle Fletcher and Mike and Michelle Bevill, all of Baldwyn; sister, Lauryn Fletcher of Baldwyn; brother, Cameron Fletcher of Thrasher; grandparents, Virginia Fletcher of Olive Branch, Willard Fletcher Jr. of Winnsboro, Texas, Barbara and Bobby Grimes of Golden and Kenneth Nunley and Erma Rawlings of Atlanta, Texas; great-grandparents, Syble Jones of Baldwyn, Rachel Fletcher of Winnsboro, Texas, Berniece Nunley and Helen Grisham, both of Iuka; aunts and uncles, Tamara Nunley of California, Preston Nunley and Bryan Grimes of Golden, William and Angy Fletcher of Georgia, Sonya Bedford (Eddie) and Caron Cockrell of Baldwyn; step grandparents, Floyd and Eddie Mae Cockrell and Jean Flores, all of Baldwyn; special cousins, Kayla Whisenant (Kyle), Carly, Cady and Courtney Fletcher and Kenzie Joslin.

He was preceded in death by his great-grandparents, Lloyd Jones, Willard Fletcher Sr., Forrest Nunley and C.E. Grisham.

Pallbearers will be Dan Williams, Casey Montgomery, Dustin Presley, Dan Sullivan, Anthony Fultz, Jeremy Crestman, Cayce Wilson and Matt Hardy.

David's friends will serve as honorary pallbearers.

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

Billy Joe Scott

HODGES, ALA. - Billy Joe "Jank" Scott, 69, died Saturday, Feb. 28, 2009, at the Red Bay Hospital. He was born in Alabama to William "Bill" and Shellie Coats Scott. He was a member of Burnout Missionary Baptist Church. He served five years in the United States Air Force and was retired from Reynolds after 31 years and served as a guard for Winco Securities for six years. He was a member of the United Steel Workers #3833828.

Services will be at noon today at the Burnout Missionary Baptist Church with Bro. Marty Guidry and Bro. Dan Hindman officiating. Burial will be in the church cemetery. Deaton Funeral Home of Red Bay, Ala., is in charge of the arrangements.

Survivors include his wife of 49 years, Catherine "Kay" Scott of Hodges, Ala.; his mother, Shellie Scott of Burnout; three children, Danita Burleson (Keith) of Vina, Ala., Karen Emerson (Dewayne) and Brian Scott (Tara) both of Hodges, Ala.; four brothers and sisters, Louise Shewbart (Forbus) of Burnout, Ala., Truman Scott (Jackie Ann) of Hodges, Ala., Charlotte Spearman of Muscle Shoals, Ala., and Sue Leiser (Bert) of Tuscaloosa, Ala.; four grandchildren, Tamara, Emily, Joseph and Annie-Kayte; and a host of nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his father; and a special aunt and uncle, John and Ollie Gober.

Pallbearers will be Crayton Lawler, Gary Williams, Kevin Scott, Kenny Vickery, Eddie Vickery and Eric Antrip.

Honorary pallbearers will be Kent Overton, Ryan Tackett, Mason Smith, Bobby Bowen and Wayne Rushing.

Visitation will continue from 10 a.m. until service time today at the church..

Mildred Thomas

TUPELO - Mildred Daniel Thomas, 90, formerly of Greenwood, died Sunday, March 1, 2009, at her residence. Arrangements are incomplete and will be announced later by Waters Funeral Home of Baldwyn.

Dagwood Riggan

AMORY - Benard R. "Dagwood" Riggan, 81, died Friday, Feb. 27, 2009, at his home in Robertsdale, Ala. after an extended illness. He was born on Feb. 7, 1928, in Detroit, Ala., to the late Edmond and Pheba Jane Cummings Riggan. He was married to Thelma Mae Francis Riggan in 1954, who later died in 1976. He grew up in Smithville and had lived in Coffeeville, Ala., and Pensacola, Fla. He was an army veteran of the Korean Conflict. Before retirement he was employed by the Frisco Railroad and the Burlington-Northern Railroad.

Services will be at 2 p.m. Tuesday at the E.E. Pickle Funeral Home Chapel in Amory with Bro. Robert E. Fowlkes officiating. Burial will be in the Haughton Memorial Park in Amory. E.E. Pickle Funeral Home of Amory is in charge of the arrangements.

Survivors include his sons, Douglas Ray Riggan (Charlie) of Robertsdale, Ala., Bobby W. Thompson (Utako) of Pensacola, Fla. and Benford C. Thompson (Linda) of Okolona; his daughters, Darlene Heidbreder of Pensacola, Fla., and Janell Payne (Robert) of Booneville; 21 grandchildren; 46 great-grandchildren; and six great-great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife; a son, Billy Thompson; 3 brothers; and one sister.

Pallbearers will be Clint Riggan, Josh Riggan, Zack Riggan, Tim Skelton, Gary Payne, Tommy Dale Thompson, Brad Payne, Jimmy Thompson, Paul Thompson, Dakota Heidbreder and Larry Payne.

Visitation will be from 5 to 9 p.m. tonight and will continue from 8 a.m. until service time on Tuesday, both at the funeral home.

Johnnie Pritchard

BYHALIA - Johnnie Lee Pritchard, 79, retired manager with Martin Theaters and United Artist Theaters, died Saturday, Feb. 28, 2009, at his home in Byhalia. He was a veteran of the United States Air Force and enjoyed fishing and spending time with his family and pets.

Services will be at 2 p.m. Tuesday at the Waller Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Robert Frierson officiating. Burial will follow in Eastover Memorial Cemetery. Waller Funeral Home of Oxford is in charge of the arrangements.

Survivors include three daughters, Vickie Henry (Tommy) of Batesville, Jackie Montgomery (Terry) and Debbie Kinkade (Bill) of Byhalia; five sons, Lee Sangster (Carol Jean), Duke Manning (Johnnie Sue), Gary Pritchard (Linda) and Michael Pritchard (Darlene), all of Oxford and Richard Pritchard (Wendy) of Holly Springs; 21 grandchildren; and 15 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his wife, June Sangster Pritchard.

Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. tonight at the funeral home.

The family has asked that expressions of sympathy or memorial contributions in Mr. Pritchards memory be made to the American Heart Association, 4830 McWillie Circle, Jackson, MS 39206.

In honor or Mr. Pritchard's service to his country, the flag of the United States Air Force is being flown at Waller Funeral Home.

Charlie Lepard

VICTORIA - Charlie T. Lepard, 69, died Saturday, Feb. 28, 2009, at the North Mississippi Medical Center in Tupelo. He was born Jan. 20, 1940, in Memphis, Tenn., to the late David Green Lepard and Vera Hopkins Lepard. He was a retired Truck Driver for Browns Trucking in Memphis, Tenn.

Services will be at 2 p.m. Tuesday at Serenity Funeral Home Chapel in New Albany with Bro. Buddy Gordon and Bro. Joe Tutor officiating. Burial will be in the Vista Cemetery. Serenity Funeral Home of New Albany is in charge of the arrangements.

Survivors include his son, Keith Lepard (Brenda) of Pontotoc; four daughters, Debbie Lepard, Pam Clark and Donna Rhea (Tim), all of New Albany and Shelly Betts (Ken) of Pontotoc; two brothers, Raymond Lepard and Bud Lepard of Victoria; five sisters, Peggy Rainey of Ripley, Shirley Trotter and Betty Campbell of Victoria, Bobby Courtney of Red Banks and Ruby Marise of Corning, Ark.; 11 grandchildren; 9 great-grandchildren; and one special grandson, Richard Lepard.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Jo Ann Lepard; a brother, Randell Lepard; and two grandchildren, Alexdra Lepard and Cory Rhynes.

Pallbearers will be Scott West, Richard Lepard, Billy Jack Rodgers, Rodney Rhynes, Brandon Rodgers and Eddie Gorton.

Dustin Jeter will serve as honorary pallbearer.

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

Hugh C. Roberts

FAIRVIEW - Hugh C. Roberts, 88, died Friday, Feb. 27, 2009, at his residence in the Fairview Community located between Fulton and Red Bay. He was born Oct. 28, 1920 in Marion County, Ala. to the late Chester and Estelle Justice Roberts. He was a longtime resident of Itawamba County and a member of Tremont Baptist Church. He was a retired farmer and factory worker.

Services will be at 11 a.m. Tuesday at the Kesler Funeral Home Chapel in Baldwyn with Rev. Ricky Parks officiating. Rev. Charlie Gainey, Laura Swords and Kami Swords Riddle will be bringing comfort in music and song. A private burial will be in the Salem Baptist Church Cemetery with services held by Ronny Kesler and Shirley Franks of Kesler Funeral Home. Kesler Funeral Home of Baldwyn is in charge of the arrangements.

Survivors include his wife of 63 years, Myrtle Presley Roberts; one daughter, Irene Roberts Parks of Fairview; three grandsons, Michael Roberts and Ken Parks (Jeanie), both of Fairview and David Parks (Angie) of Blue Springs; one great-granddaughter, Britney Parks of Blue Springs; special friend who helped take care of him and considered to be a part of his family, Ferrel Swords of Fairview; one brother, Horace Roberts (Ruth) of Fairview; one sister, Nellie Cantrell of Fulton; and one sister-in-law, Pauline Roberts of Ill.

He was preceded in death by his parents; one son-in-law, Gerald Parks; one brother, Hollis Roberts; four sisters, Lucille, Edith and Ruby Roberts and Eunice Biddle.

Visitation will be from 2 to 8 p.m. today at the funeral home.

Mike Hawkins

WEST POINT - Mike Hawkins, 80, died, Friday, Feb. 27, 2009, at his residence. He was born March 6, 1928, in Itawamba County to the late Lilley Dora Tart and William Thomas Hawkins. He was a Mechanic and was retired from Bryan Foods for 30 years. He was a Baptist and a Veteran of the United States Air Force, Army and Marine Corps. He married Louise Hawkins on Sep. 4, 1999, in Monroe County.

Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. today from the Calvert Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Harlon Smith officiating. Burial will follow in Keyes Cemetery in Dorsey. Calvert Funeral Home of West Point is in charge of the arrangements.

Survivors include his wife, Louise Hawkins of West Point; daughters, Marsha Brand (Lonnie) of Pheba and Debra Meatyard of Seminole, Ala.; sons, Mike Dewberry (Tammy) of Louisville and Danny Michael Hawkins of West Point; five grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; sister, Viola Withaker of Hamilton; nephews, Jerry Withaker, Sonny Withaker, Robert Earl Hawkins, Dale Hawkins, Jimmy Hawkins, Will Ed Hawkins and Grant Hawkins; and his nieces, Barbara Sanders, Frances Stokes, Olie Mae Smith, Shirley Whitlock and Sara Madison.

He was preceded in death by his first wife on Nov. 11, 1988, Frances Hawkins; a son, Charles Russell Hawkins; and brothers, Jack Hawkins, Jim Hawkins, Lee Hawkins, Burt Hawkins and Henry Hawkins.

Pallbearers will be Lonnie Brand, Dale Hawkins, Jimmy Hawkins, Robert Earl Hawkins, Chip Shepard, Robert Nichols Pate, Chase Dewberry, and Michael Dewberry.

Honorary Pallbearers will be Southern Care Hospice, Caysen Dewberry and Quicy Shepard. Memorials may be made to the Keyes Cemetery Care Fund, C/O Billy Wilburn, 6155 Vanburen Road, Fulton, MS 38843.