Armand DeSollar

DYERSBURG, Tenn. – Armand Barry “Sonny” DeSollar, 75, died Thursday, Sept. 3, 2009, at Oakwood Community Living Center in Dyersburg, Tenn. He was born Jan. 6, 1934, in Rock Island, Ill., to Marion W. DeSollar and Araminta Wyatt DeSollar. He lived in Aberdeen for 40 years and in Dyersburg, Tenn., for 10 years. A graduate of Mississippi State University, he was an industrial engineer and a retired plant manager for Harrison Manufacturing. He was a retired bus driver in Collierville, Tenn., and a member of Cumberland Presbyterian Church in Dyersburg. He was a U.S. Marine Corps veteran.

Services were at 3 p.m. Sept. 6 at the Tisdale-Lann Memorial Chapel in Aberdeen with Bro. John Porter officiating. Burial was in Oddfellows Rest Cemetery.

Survivors include two daughters, Pat Ausborn and husband, Chris, of Aberdeen and Kim Hendrix and husband, Timothy, of Halls, Tenn.; one son, Armand DeSollar and wife, Elise, of Simpsonville, S.C.; one brother, Brian DeSollar and wife, Linda, of Pekin, Ill.; seven grandchildren, Jamie Ausborn, Wyatt Ausborn, Natalie DeSollar, A.J. DeSollar, Brandi Smith, Amanda White and Craig Hendrix.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his wife, Mager Bryan DeSollar.

Pallbearers were Chris Ausborn, Wyatt Ausborn, Armand DeSollar, A.J. DeSollar, Craig Hendrix and Austin Smith. Phillip White was an honorary pallbearer.

Donations may be made to a charity of the donor’s choice.

Marie Kent

NETTLETON – Marie Pate Kent, 77, met with her Lord and Savior Sunday evening on Sept. 6, 2009. She was born on March 24, 1932, in Lee County to Floyd and Josie Raper Pate. She was a lifelong resident of Nettleton and attended both Pine Grove and Nettleton schools. Marie’s working career included Reed’s, Blue Bell and Glenn Manufacturing Companies with her last place of employment at Arvin Industries in Verona. She was a member of Calvary Assembly Church in Tupelo.

Services were at 1 p.m. Sept. 9 at the Chapel of Tisdale-Lann Memorial Funeral Home in Nettleton with the Rev. Ben Raper and the Rev. Jack Ezell officiating. Burial was in Lee Memorial Park in Verona.

She is survived by her husband, Travis Junior Kent; two sons, Bobby Kent (Tammy) of Nettleton and Paul Kent (Carol) of Brandon; two grandchildren, Austin Travis Kent and Anna Cahterine Kent; three sisters, Opal Parker (Gordon) of Shannon, Ova Jo Hall (Robert) of Mooreville and Dovie Pate of Tupelo; three brothers, William “Buddy” Pate of Tupelo, Gerald Pate of Aberdeen and Marcus Pate (Betty) of Sherman.

She was preceded in death by her parents; one sister, Mary Elizabeth Sanders; three brothers, Floyd Pate Jr., John Michael Pate and Jackie Pate.

Pallbearers were Joe Pate, Roger Sanders, Euvel Kent, Jeff Hall, James Doyle Kent, Will Pate, Jackie Lynn Pate and Jeremy Pate.

Danny G. Jones

GATTMAN – Danny Gene Jones, 57, died Monday, Sept. 7, 2009, at the Golden Living Center in Amory after a short illness. A lifelong resident of Monroe County, he was born May 13, 1952, in Aberdeen to S.D. “Sam” and Annie Grace Bailey Jones. Before becoming disabled, he was a truck driver for Ruan/Ceico. An avid outdoorsman, he enjoyed hunting, fishing, and motorcycles. He was a member of the DePriest Freewill Baptist Church.

Services were at 11 a.m. Sept. 9 at the DePriest Freewill Baptist Church with Bro. Don Taggart officiating. Burial was in the Easter Cemetery. E.E. Pickle Funeral Home of Amory was in charge of the arrangements.

Survivors include one brother, Sammy G. Jones of Gattman; one sister, Martha Ann Jones Hall (Redus) of Gattman; three aunts, Tommie Jean Bailey of Gattman, and Lillian Brown and Belle Smithing, both of Texas; and two cousins, Billy Phillips and Margret Wise, both of Gattman.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Pallbearers were Terry Cummin, Lyn Galloway, Tulon Griffin, Johnny Northington, Doyle Brooks, Don Browning, Bubba Dozier and Jimmy Northington.

Dr. William Phillips

MEMPHIS – Dr. William Earl Phillips, 70, died Wednesday, Sept. 9, 2009, at the Baptist East Hospital in Memphis after an extended illness. He was born July 17, 1939, in Monroe County to the late William and Lula Dabbs Phillips. He lived in the Mt. Zion community, and he was a longtime resident of Memphis. He was a graduate of Smithville Schools and he attended LSU and UCLA, and received his M.D. degree from the University of Tennessee. He worked with the Shelby Co. Health Department and with real estate investments. He was a member of the Lutheran Church. He was internationally known in the water lily hybridization field. An avid world traveler, he sponsored individuals from other countries to come and study in the USA.

Services were 3 p.m. Sept. 12 at the E.E. Pickle Funeral Home Chapel in Amory with Bro. Tommy Whaley officiating. Burial was in the New Hope Cemetery.

He is survived by family and friends.

Pallbearers were John Butkiewicz, Dwayne Phillips, Steven North, Ray Archer, Michael Phillips and Joez Cruz.

Rita Mae Brown

AMORY – Rita Mae Knight Brown, 99, died Wednesday, Sept. 9, 2009, at her home. A lifelong resident of Monroe County, she was born Jan. 12, 1910, in the Liberty/Pine Grove community to the late Alex and Mary Etta Malone Knight. She attended Pine Grove School and she was a 1931 graduate of Amory High School. She married Marshall T. Brown in 1933; he died in 1965. She was the owner/operator of Brown’s Grocery on Main Street in Amory from 1948-1968. After its closing, she worked at Alexander’s Pharmacy for several years. A member of the First Baptist Church in Amory, she enjoyed their ministry through the TV programs throughout her later years. She enjoyed gospel music, preaching, and flowers and especially enjoyed cooking for her children and grandchildren. She also enjoyed visits and phone calls from her many friends.

Services were 11 a.m. Sept. 11 at the E.E. Pickle Funeral Home Chapel in Amory with Dr. Allen Simpson and Bro. Jimmy McFatter officiating. Burial was in the Masonic Cemetery in Amory.

Survivors include two daughters, Mary Jean Hollis of Amory and Elizabeth Ann Beckham (Nelson) of Madison, Ala.; two grandchildren, Reed Beckham (Christine) and Marsha Button (Kevin); and five great-grandchildren, Rhys Beckham, Ashley Beckham, Ryan Beckham, Nicole Button and Chad Button.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; one sister, Eloise Rackley Miller; two brothers, Dewey Knight and Levis Knight; and a son-in-law, Flavis Hollis.

Pallbearers were Reed Beckham, Kevin Button, Dean Middleton, Jimmy Brown, Glenn Flowers, Floyd Reeves, M.L. Hollis and Vic Elliot. Honorary pallbearers were Dick Wax, Barry Wax, John Wax, Charlie Lewellen, Roy Armstrong, Charles Kennedy, Lester Cagle and Joe Rieves.

Memorials may be made to the First Baptist Church, P.O. Box 540, Amory, MS 38821.

Mattie Mae Clark

AMORY – Mattie Mae Clark, 83, died Sunday, Sept. 6, 2009, in Detroit, Mich., at her home. She was born Dec. 7 1925, in Wren in Monroe County to Essie Hill McIntosh and Robert Lee Hill. She was formerly employed by Glenn Manufacturing Company of Amory for many years. Later she and her family moved to Detroit, Mich. She was a homemaker and a mother to many in the community. She attended the Wilson School of Wren and attended the Baptist church.

Services were at 1 p.m. Sept. 12 at Union Grove United Methodist Church in Nettleton with the Rev. Steven Owens officiating. Burial was in Union Grove Cemetery. Darden & Sons Funeral Home of Amory was in charge of the arrangements.

Survivors include two sons, James Russell (Barbara) Clark and Larry (Evelyn) Clark, both of Detroit, Mich.; four daughters, Jennetta Clark and Valarie Clark Nash, both of Detroit, Mich., Dorothy (Bobby) Freeman of Nashville, Tenn., and Barbara Davis of Amory; six grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.

Nora McGhee

ABERDEEN – Nora Elaine Brewer McGhee, 89, died Thursday, Sept. 10, 2009, at Gilmore Memorial Hospital in Amory. She was born Oct. 22, 1919, to Lon Brewer and Esther Wehrman Brewer in Monroe County. She was a lifelong resident of Monroe County and a member of Tranquill United Methodist Church. She attended Wren High School. She was a homemaker and worked as a seamstress in the garment and furniture industry. She loved to garden and grow flowers and sit on her porch. She was known to her grandchildren and friends as “Nonnie.”

Services were at 2 p.m. Sept. 13 in the Tisdale-Lann Memorial Chapel in Aberdeen with Bro. Upshaw officiating. Burial was in Tranquill Cemetery.

Survivors include two daughters, Carolyn Fowlkes and husband, Wayne, of Amory, and Debra Ridings and husband, Eddie, of Aberdeen; two sons, Billy Dean McGhee and wife, Barbara, and Ray McGhee and wife, Barbara, all of Aberdeen; three sisters, Laverne Pulliam and husband, Hap of Una, Doris Bowen of West Point and Lottie Williams of Millport, Ala.; 10 grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild.

She was preceded in death by her parents and her husband of 54 years, Evans D. McGhee.

Pallbearers were William Ridings, Brad Ridings, Matthew Fowlkes, David Fowlkes, Lonnie Williams, Billy McGhee Jr., Jimmy Ray McGhee and Kyle Christopher.

Mary Joe Bridges

AMORY – Mary Joe Baird Bridges, 89, died Friday, Sept. 11, 2009, at the Gilmore Memorial Regional Medical Center in Amory. She was born Feb. 24, 1920, in Hamilton, Ala., to Robert and Essie Baird. She married Joe R. Bridges Sr. in 1941; he died in 1991. She lived in Minnesota and Georgia and in Amory for many years. She was a homemaker and a member of the First United Methodist Church. She enjoyed pets, birds and flowers, and especially enjoyed housekeeping.

Graveside services were at 1:30 p.m. Sept. 13 at the Masonic Cemetery in Amory with Bro. Dennis Smithey officiating. E.E. Pickle Funeral Home of Amory was in charge of the arrangements.

Survivors include one daughter-in-law, Janet Bridges of Amory; and a granddaughter, Zaran E. Bridges of Amory.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; and one son, Joseph R. Bridges Jr.

Ralph Harrington Sr.

HOUSTON – James Ralph Harrington Sr., 89, died Thursday, Sept. 10, 2009, at the North Mississippi Medical Center in Tupelo. He was born Oct. 9, 1919, in Woodland to John Box Harrington and Clytee Martin Harrington. He was a retired farmer and taxi driver. He was a member of First Baptist Church in Houston.

Services were at 10 a.m. Sept. 12 at Memorial Funeral Home Chapel in Houston with Bro. Daniel Heeringa and Dr. Jim Harrington officiating. Burial was in the Bethel Baptist Church Cemetery. Memorial Funeral Home of Houston was in charge of arrangements.

Survivors include one daughter, Janice Blissard (Kenneth) of Houston; one son, Dr. Jim Harrington (June) of Amory; five grandchildren, Jennifer Harrington Street (Matt) of Monroe, La., Jill Harrington Miller (Chuck) of Spartanburg, S.C., Kellan Blissard of Houston, Clint Blissard of Houston and Becca Johnson (Rome) of Hattiesburg; three great-grandchildren, Addison and Olivia Miller and Ella Capri Johnson; three sisters, Ruth Hill of Okolona, Doris Hicks of Woodland and Stennis Fortner of Woodland; one brother, Oliver Harrington of Pineville, La.; one sister-in-law, Lourette Harrington of Woodland.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Lucille Bean Harrington; his parents; one brother, Durelle Harrington; and one sister, Erline Weaver.

Pallbearers were Kellum Blissard, Clint Blissard, Chuck Miller, Matt Street, Barry Bray and Rick Bray.

Memorials may be made to Baptist Children's Village.

Jack Reese

PRAIRIE – Audie Jackson “Jack” Reese, 86, died Friday, Sept. 11, 2009, at the North Mississippi Medical Center in West Point. He was born April 18, 1923, in Clay County to the late Minnie Lenora Huffman Reese and William Dayton Reese. He was a TVA journeyman for more than 30 years and a member of Lawson Chapel Church of Christ. He was a U.S. Army veteran of World War II. He married Princess Hazel Smitherman Reese on Sept. 13, 1941, in Monroe County; she died on Dec. 31, 2008.

Services were at 10 a.m. Sept. 15 at Calvert Funeral Home Chapel in West Point with Minister Hoyt Hathcock officiating.

Survivors include three daughters, Carolyn Odom (Brunson) of Aberdeen, Wanda Kay Thornton of Prairie and Terri Lee Roseborough of Hesperia, Calif.; one son, David G. Reese (Mary) of Prairie; 14 grandchildren, Leigh Fairbanks, Billy Jack Thornton, Brie Thornton, Jason Thornton, Amanda Odom Howell, Erica Odom, Adrian Anne Odom Smith, Heather Smith, Reese Jordan, Ashlee Roseborough, Alissa Roseborough, Rebecca Reese, Mary Katherine Benavidez and Christopher Brian Reese; 25 great-grandchildren; three sisters, Flora Lee Brand of McCondy, Cleo Faye McCrory of Okolona and Viola Inez Neyman of Coldwater; and one brother, Billy Reese of Grants Pass, Ore.

He was preceded in death by his wife and his parents; and a brother, William Dayton Reese Jr.

Memorials may be made to American Cancer Society, 1800 West Main St., Suite 1, Tupelo, MS 38801.

Lillian Duke

AMORY – Lillian Fears Mann Duke, 94, died Friday, Sept. 11, 2009, at the Oak Tree Plantation in Amory. She was born July 5, 1915, in Amory to the late James Henry and Orlena Mundy Fears. She married Jack Mann in 1935; he died in 1981. She later married Hubert Duke in 1999; he died in 2004. She lived in Aberdeen from 1935 until moving to Amory in 1999. She was a 1935 graduate of Amory High School. Before her retirement she was a librarian at the Evans Memorial Library in Aberdeen. A member of the Aberdeen Genealogical Society, she published indexed copies of the 1850 & 1860 Monroe County census. She was a member of the Methodist church, Eastern Star and the DAR.

Services were at 3:30 p.m. Sept. 13 at the E.E. Pickle Funeral Home Chapel in Amory with the Rev. Dr. James Eric Pierce officiating. Burial was in the Masonic Cemetery.

Survivors include one daughter, Patricia Mann Claxton of Aberdeen; one brother, Charles Reed Fears (Darlene) of Amory; two sisters, Glenn Jones Gray of Columbus and Virginia Pierce Keys of Matthews, N.C.; three grandchildren, Kathryn Elizabeth Claxton (Tom Davis), Thomas Cary Claxton Jr. (Melody Marion) and Rachel Ann Claxton Harris (Britt); eight great-grandchildren, Joshua Claxton, Katie Claxton, MaryBeth Claxton Ewing (Chris), Leah Kathryn Graham, Brittney Harris, Michael Rex Harris, Chase Wilson and Mary Lillian Davis; and four great-great-grandchildren, Analeigh Claxton, Emma Ewing, Eli Claxton and Karson Weber.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; and three brothers, Norvel, Ira and Rubel Fears.

Pallbearers were Tom Davis, Britt Harris, Scott Fears, Larry Fears, Chase Marion and Ron Pierce.

Charles Gosa

ABERDEEN – Charles Thomas Gosa, 86, died Friday, Sept. 11, 2009, at Gilmore Memorial Hospital in Amory. He was born July 26, 1923, to Monroe Joseph Gosa and Annie Mae Hood Gosa in Becker. He was a lifelong resident of Monroe County. He served in the Army Air Corps during World War II. He was a member of the Athens Baptist Church. He was trained in carpentry and later owned and operated Gosa’s Curb Market.

Services were at 2 p.m. Sept. 15 at the Tisdale-Lann Memorial Chapel with Bro. Stephen Ford officiating. Burial was in Beeks Cemetery.

He is survived by his wife, Susie Turberville Gosa of Aberdeen; one daughter, Tanya S. Mathews and her husband, Sonny, of Aberdeen; three grandchildren, Jennifer Paden, Erica Monroy and Amelia Carrell; eight great-grandchildren; and one niece, Nancy L. Owens.

He was preceded in death by his parents and one sister, Adeen Gosa Owens.

Woody McCullough

NETTLETON – Woody Daniel McCullough, 85, died Saturday, Sept. 12, 2009, at the Gilmore Memorial Regional Medical Center in Amory. He was born Oct. 28, 1923, in Amory to the late William Dan and Robbie Jane Tomlin McCullough. He was a U.S. Air Force veteran of World War II. He married Ruby N. Shackelford in 1982. Before his retirement he worked for Day Detectives and he was a member of the Victory Baptist Church. He enjoyed fishing and cooking.

Services were at 11 a.m. Sept. 15 at the E.E. Pickle Funeral Home Chapel in Amory with Bro. Robert Earl Fowlkes officiating. Burial was in the Liberty Cemetery.

Survivors include his wife, Ruby McCullough of Nettleton; two sons, Daniel McCullough (Linda) of the Brewer Community and Dennis McCullough of Tupelo; one brother, Jessy McCullough of Amory; one sister, Lois Whitfield (Butch) of Conway, Ark.; five grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents; two sisters; and one infant brother.

Pallbearers were Michael Hall, Ricky Harris, David Jenkines, Korie Jenkines, Larry Yeager and Dennis McCullough.