E.H. Lilley

SOUTHAVEN - E.H. "Bubba" Lilley, 58, died unexpectedly on Saturday, July 25, 2009. He was born Aug. 30, 1950, to Ben and Eddye Lilley. He graduated from Aberdeen High School and received his bachelor of fine arts degree in graphic design from the Memphis College of Art. He was a member of Colonial Hills Church in Southaven and he was employed at Cornerstone Graphics in Southaven.

Services were at 11 a.m. July 29 at Twin Oaks Funeral Home in Southaven. Graveside services and burial was at 4 p.m. July 29 in Aberdeen.

Survivors include his wife of 39 years, Jo Ellen Baker Lilley; one daughter, Michelle (Andy) Adair; one granddaughter, Lilley Grace; one sister, Cynthia (Ernie) Wilemon; and numerous nieces and nephews.

His parents preceded him in death.

Memorial gifts may be made to GSO, c/o John Coleman, P.O. Box 2460, Oxford, MS 38655.

Michael Edward Davis

HUNTSVILLE - Michael Edward Davis, 64, of Huntsville, Ala., died Thursday, July 23, 2009, at his home. He was born Jan. 4, 1945, in Amory to Drennon and Joycelyn Davis. He graduated from Amory High School and was a 1968 graduate of Mississippi State University with a degree in electrical engineering. He was retired from the former U. S. Army Missile Command.

A memorial service was held at 2 p.m. Sunday, July 26, 2009, at Faith Presbyterian Church. Berryhill Funeral Home of Huntsville, Ala., were in charge of the arrangements.

Survivors include his wife, Allyson Davis; one daughter, Laure Gale (Tom); one son, Grant Davis (Colleen), all of Huntsville; his father, Drennon and Josie Davis of Amory; one brother, Lance and Brenda Davis of Amory; four grandchildren, Jackie and Bruce Gale and Brennon and Braydon Davis; a niece and nephew, Megan and Jarrett Davis.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Joycelyn Davis; and a sister, Linda Davis.

Memorials may be made to Faith Presbyterian Church, 5003 Whitesburg Drive, Huntsville, Ala., 35802.

Leland Baker

PONTOTOC - Homer Leland Baker, 90, died Sunday, July 26, 2009, at North Mississippi Medical Center in Pontotoc. He was a member of Cherry Creek Baptist Church, a farmer and a U.S. Army veteran of World War II.

Services were at 3 p.m. July 29 at Browning Funeral Home in Ecru with the Rev. Don Wilson and the Rev. Roger Reeder officiating. Burial followed in Oak Hill Cemetery.

Survivors include his wife of 63 years, Verneal Griffin Baker of Pontotoc; two daughters, Sherry Ream of Montpelier and Linda Kapenekas (Bill) of Tupelo; two sons, Carrol Baker (Jennie) of Pontotoc and Gene Baker (Nell) of Amory; two sisters, Betty Crawford (Bobby) of Pearl and Ruth Lee of Tupelo; one brother, Edwin B. Baker (Joyce) of Pontotoc; seven grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Homer Lee and Bessie Volena Cummings Baker; one sister, Minnie V. Baker; and four brothers, Gaylon Baker, Grady Baker, Eugene Baker and Franklin Baker.

Pallbearers were John Russell, Joe Ream, Rocky McCord, Roger Baker, Robert Baker and Tony Baker. Honorary pallbearer was Lee McCord.

Therman Mitchell

OKOLONA - Therman Lige Mitchell, 76, died unexpectedly on Tuesday, July 28, 2009, at his residence in Okolona. He was born on Aug. 6, 1932, in Booneville to Lige and Helen Weeks Mitchell. He served in the U.S. Air Force during the Korean conflict. He married Martha Ann Patterson on Aug. 13, 1955, in the Bissell community of Lee County and they lived most of their adult life in Okolona. He worked for the City of Okolona for over 30 years, retiring in l997 as superintendent of the Street and Water Department. He was a longtime active member of the First Baptist Church of Okolona and the Jimmy Kyle Sunday School Class. A Master Mason affiliated with Prairie Lodge 87, he enjoyed the great outdoors, fishing and hunting, keeping a beautiful yard and raising produce in his garden. He will be sorely missed by a grateful family and community.

Services were at 2 p.m. July 30 in the Okolona Chapel of Holland-Harris Funeral Directors with Bro. Eric Boykin and Bro. Larry Sullivan officiating. Private burial followed in Lee Memorial Park.

Survivors include his wife of 53 years, Martha Mitchell of Okolona; his daughter, Melanie Davis (William Lake) of Huntsville; three sons, Randy Mitchell (Melinda) of Pascagoula, Dennis Mitchell (Debbie) of Pontotoc and Scott Mitchell of Starkville; eight grandchildren, Megan, Joshua, Christian, Jordan, Cal, Kaylie, Lige and Katelyn; two brothers, Charlie Mitchell of Aberdeen and Lige "Mitch" Mitchell of Hamilton. He was preceded in death by his parents and two sisters, Maggie Sullivan and Linda Lou Pounders.

Pallbearers were grandsons, Cal, Lige and Joshua, Wade Nicholson, Kenneth McVay and Harold Jolly. Honorary pallbearers were members of his Sunday School Class.

George Roza

AMORY - George Medeiros Roza, 82, died Monday, July 27, 2009, at Gilmore Memorial Hospital in Amory. He was born Jan. 16, 1927, in North Truro, Mass., to Frank and Lucinda Roza. He was a member of First Baptist Church in Amory and Gideons International. He was a veteran of the U.S. Navy and a retired CPO. He served in World War II and the Korean conflict. He was a retired supervisor for Bryan Foods.

Services were at 1 p.m. July 31 at First Baptist Church in West Point with the Rev. Dale Funderburg officiating. Burial was in Alva Cemetery at Duck Hill. Robinson Funeral Home of West Point was in charge of the arrangements.

He is survived by his wife, Mattie Helen Roza of Amory; two daughters, Veronica R. Knox (Larry W.) of Amory and Pamela R. Hayes (Mark) of Miami; one brother, Edward M. Roza (Lucille) of Eastham, Mass.; one sister, Marie R. Dutra of Aimsbury, Mass.; six grandchildren.

Pallbearers were Lonnie Peeples, Mark Hill, Eugene Allen and John Ingram. Honorary pallbearers were the Adult III Men's Sunday School Class.

Memorials may be made to Gideon's International, P.O. Box 661, West Point, MS 39773.

L. T. Gathings

ABERDEEN - L. T. Gathings Sr., died Wednesday, July 22, 2009, at Pioneer Hospital in Aberdeen.

Services were held at 12 p.m. Friday, July 31, at Second Baptist M. B. Church in Prairie with Bro. John Smith officiating. Burial followed in the Gathings family cemetery in Prairie.

Elmer Butler

BALDWYN - Elmer Rone Butler, 93, died Tuesday, July 28, 2009, at the Baptist Memorial Hospital in Booneville. He was born July 29, 1915, in Prentiss County to Lucian Anderson and Neelie Ann Prather Butler. He was a retired market man. He loved fishing and gardening.

Services were at 11 a.m. Aug. 1 at the McMillan Funeral Home Chapel with burial to follow in Prentiss Memorial Gardens.

He is survived by three daughters, Sherry Ann Long (Jerry) of New Albany, Charlotte Sue Haskins (Sam) of Covington, Tenn., and Bonnie Blue Coulter (Lawrence) of Blue Springs; four sons, Wilson Ray Butler (Joyce) of Pontotoc, James Robert Butler of Memphis, Donnie Joe Butler (Shirley Fay) of Wren and Richard Allen Butler (Elizabeth) of Mission, Texas; one brother, Jewel Smith Buttler (Mickey) of Byhalia; 28 grandchildren, 35 great-grandchildren, two great-great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Dortha Helen Wilson Butler; a daughter, Norma Kaye Oppenheimer; a sister, Earnestine Rone; and a brother, Glenford Butler.

Pallbearers were Jody Long, Zach Haskins, Donnie Butler Jr., Dale Butler, Jon Lee Butler and Gary Wright Jr. Honorary pallbearers will be Cary Butler, Micah Butler, Richard Allen Butler and Cordell Butler.

The family request memorials be made to the Make A Wish Foundation of the MidSouth, 1780 Moriah Wood Blvd. Suite 10, Memphis, TN 38117.

Clyde Wilson

ABERDEEN - Clyde Thompson Wilson, 78, died Thursday, July 30, 2009, at his home in Aberdeen. He was born Aug. 22, 1930, to Byron Wilson and Thelma Louise Hill Wilson in Aberdeen. He was a graduate of Aberdeen High School and a 1950 graduate of Copiah-Lincoln Junior College in Wesson, where he was a member of the Blue Wave Show Band and played saxophone in the Stage Band. He earned a bachelor's degree in music at the University of Mississippi, where he was a member of the Pride of the South Band. He graduated with honors from Vandercook School of Music in Chicago with a master's degree. He served in the U.S. Army as a corporal in the 101st Infantry Division, the Screaming Eagles, at Fort Jackson, Columbia, S.C.

He was the band director at Copiah-Lincoln for 10 years. Under his leadership, the Co-Lin Band and Colettes became one of the most outstanding junior college show bands in the nation, performing at such events as the Cherry Blossom Festival in Washington D.C. and the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade.

In 1968 he returned to Aberdeen to take over the family-owned business, Wilson Grocery. He was also a successful artist. His oils were shown in six successful one-man shows throughout the state. He served for many years as a news reporter for the Aberdeen Examiner.

He was inducted into the Copiah-Lincoln Community College Band and Colette Alumni Hall of Fame during ceremonies at homecoming on Saturday, Oct. 4, 2008. He was the owner, publisher and editor of the Tombigbee Country Magazine with distribution in all 50 states.

Services were at 1 p.m. July 2 at the Tisdale-Lann Memorial Chapel in Aberdeen with the Rev. James Rutledge officiating. Burial was in Beeks Cemetery.

Survivors include a number of cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Pallbearers were J.W. Benson, Charles Luker, Randy Benson, Randy Perkins, Ron Witchman and James Hairston.

Honorary pallbearers were Brent Coleman, Chris Rieves, Mike Hawkins, Thomas Young, Justin Hairston and Harvey Morrison III.

In lieu of flowers, the Copiah-Lincoln Band and Colette Alumni will accept memorial gifts for band scholarships in his name.

Clifford Gilreath

ABERDEEN - Clifford Lee Stanford Gilreath, 81, died Thursday, July 30, 2009, at University Medical Center in Jackson. She was born Nov. 8, 1927, to George Elam Stanford and Maggie Tate Stanford in Monroe County. A lifelong resident of Monroe County, she was a homemaker and a member of Bethel Baptist Church. She was a beloved mother and grandmother.

Services were at 4 p.m. Aug. 3 at the Tisdale-Lann Memorial Chapel in Aberdeen with the Rev. Roy McHenry officiating. Burial was in Lebanon Cemetery.

Survivors include two daughters, Mae Martin and husband, Johnny, and Geneva Coker and husband, Steve, all of Aberdeen; six grandchildren, Michael Martin, Kevin Martin, Daniel Martin, Corey Gill, Josh Coker and Drew Coker; five great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Clarence E. Gilreath; a son, Gene Gilreath; and two brothers and five sisters.

Dee Kirkpatrick

ABERDEEN - Glendred Adelia "Dee" Kirkpatrick, 82, died Thursday, July 30, 2009, at Community Hospice at Darlington Oaks in Verona. She was born Aug. 25, 1926, to Glen W. Shipley and Pansy Erickson Theobald in Nelson, Neb. She lived the past 62 years in Aberdeen. She retired after 30 years as a sales clerk at Maier's Jewelry. She was an active member of Faith Presbyterian Church, where she served as president of the Women of the Church for many years. She was a member of the Hospital Auxiliary.

Services were at 4 p.m. Aug. 2 at the Tisdale-Lann Memorial Chapel in Aberdeen with the Rev. David Harrell officiating. Burial was in Oaklawn Memorial Gardens.

Survivors include two daughters, Billie Dee Henson and husband, Mike, of West Point and Nancy Kay Burnett and husband, Ken, of Amory; three sons, Thomas Glen Kirkpatrick and wife, Donna, and John Bruce Kirkpatrick and wife, Christie, all of Aberdeen, and James Kirkpatrick and wife, Cheryl, of Lexington, S.C.; 14 grandchildren, 16 great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Thomas Beam Kirkpatrick; and two brothers, Bruce Shipley and Glen Shipley.

Pallbearers were Henry Hammack, Andy Allen, Charlie Field, Deedy Harrington, Walter Lann Jr. and Walter Lann III. Honorary pallbearers were Imogene Hudnall, Bebe Morris and Margie Field.

Memorials may be sent to: Faith Presbyterian Church, 210 Meadowview Road, Aberdeen, MS 39730.

Elaine Nichols

ST. LOUIS - Dannie Elaine McKinney Nichols died Sunday, July 26, 2009, at DePaul Hospital in St. Louis, Mo. She was born Sept. 12, 1943, in Smithville to Andrew and Beulah McKinney. She graduated from West Amory High School in 1964. She married Earvin Lee Nichols on June 7, 1964. They moved to St. Louis, where she became a member of Faith Hope Charity Church of God. She answered the call to preach and served as assistant pastor, preaching her last service on July 5, 2009. During the years she was a homemaker and a businesswoman. A loving person, she was always willing to help people in any way she could. She loved Jesus, her husband, her family and her friends.

Services were at 4 p.m. Aug. 4 at St. Paul CME Church in Smithville. Burial was in New Hope No. 2 Cemetery. Darden and Sons Funeral Home of Amory was in charge of the arrangements.

Survivors include her husband, Earvin L. Nichols; a sister, Theoma Osdorn (George) of Burlington, Iowa; two brothers, Theodis McKinney (Earnestine) of Smithville and Jarvis McKinney (Laura) of Smithville; two brothers-in-law, Pastor Leartist Nichols (Doretha) of St. Louis and Pastor John H. Nichols (Nettie) of Washington D.C.; five sisters-in-law, Minnie Nichols of Milwaukee, Mattie Bray of St. Louis, Lottie Nichols of St. Louis, Judizm of Cape Girardeau, Mo., and Ela Nichols of St. Louis; many nieces, nephews and cousins.

John Edwards

TUPELO - John Henry amp"Samamp" Edwards, 70, died Tuesday, July 28, 2009, at the North Mississippi Medical Center after a brief illness. A native of Tupelo, he was born June 19, 1939, to Lawrence Edwards and Fannie Edwards. He was a graduate of Mary C. Wade High School in Verona. He was formerly employed by Hancock Farma for many years. Later he worked for Marshall Durbin Farms until his health failed. He sang with the Dixie Tones for many years. He loved to hunt.

Services were at 2:30 p.m. Aug. 2 at Palmetto CME Church with Elder Leo Wright officiating. Burial was in Palmetto Community Cemetery. Darden and Sons Funeral Home of Amory was in charge of the arrangements.

Survivors include his wife, Evelyn S. Edwards of Tupelo; two sons, John Shey Edwards and Jansen O'neal Edwards, both of Tupelo; two daughters, Jacqueline Scott and Janice Edwards, both of Tupelo; three brothers, Eddie J. (Victoria) Edwards, Clyde R. Edwards and Obie Edwards, all of Tupelo; three sisters, Fannie R. Freeman of St. Louis, Mo., Leora Edwards of Verona and Minnie (Robert) Jamison of Tupelo; five grandchildren; two brothers-in-law, Howard (Emma) Standifer and Harold (Maxine) Standifer of Smithville; two sisters-in-law, Daphine Whitfield of Smithville and Merlin McLeod of Detroit, Mich. He was preceded in death by two grandchildren.

Ina Black Hester

GATTMAN - Ina Black Hester, 87, of Gattman, died Friday, July 31, 2009, at Gilmore Memorial Hospital in Amory. She was born Oct. 11, 1921, in Lamar County, Ala., to the late Joseph Murray and Laura Jane Black. She was a member of Gattman Baptist Church, where she was an active member. She had previously worked at Fred's in Amory and Glenn Enterprises. She also had previously worked as city clerk in Gattman. She enjoyed her grandchildren and was an avid Alabama fan.

Services were Sunday, Aug. 2, at 11 a.m. at Otts Funeral Home Chapel with burial in Sulligent City Cemetery with Bro. Roger Reedus officiating.

Survivors include one daughter, Geraldine Clark of Sulligent, Ala.; three sons, Charles and Tammy Hester of Booneville, Billy and Brenda Hester of Oxford,and Odus Hester Jr. of Gattman; 14 grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren, and four great-great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Odus Hester Sr.; two brothers, Clarence and Clovis Black; and five sisters, Ora Woods, Ida Boman, Wilkie Beasley, Zora Mae Lampkin, and Lillie Boman.