OBITUARIES

Mary Ann Russell

Mary Ann Russell

January 16, 2026

Mary Ann Russell

Mason, Tennessee - Mary Ann Russell, age 82, passed away peacefully on Friday, January 16, 2026. She was born on October 15, 1943, to the late James Allen Williams and Lexie Lois Faulk Williams, who instilled in her the values of kindness, faith, and devotion to family that would define her life.

Mary Ann dedicated many years to her...

Ruth Ann Bell

Ruth Ann Bell

January 15, 2026

Ruth Ann Bell was born on January 1, 1941, and peacefully entered eternal rest on January 15, 2026, at the age of 85. A woman of quiet strength and enduring faith, Ruth Ann’s life reflected a deep love for her family and unwavering trust in God’s promises.

She was preceded in death by her beloved parents, Reggie and Olene Bell, as...

Jerry Ledlow

Jerry Ledlow

January 15, 2026

Jerry Ledlow

Mantachie- Jerry Ray Ledlow, age 67, passed away on Thursday, January 15, 2026. He was born on July 4, 1958, to Bobby Ray Ledlow and Retha Dill Ledlow.

Jerry Ledlow (Big Jerry) led a wonderful life filled with everyday joys. He will be remembered for his ability to make anyone laugh, and his passion for cars. One of his favorite hobbies...

JM Barnes

JM Barnes

January 14, 2026

JM Barnes, 89, died Wednesday, January 14, 2026, at the North Mississippi Medical Center. He was married for 63 years to Mary Nan Barnes, who died of a sudden illness in 2023.

JM is survived by his daughter, Rita Holloway and her ex-husband, Joe; two sisters, Marge Daly (Joe) of Brandon, and Joyce Hester of Hamilton, AL; one brother, James “Sonny”...

Karen Grintjes

Karen Grintjes

January 12, 2026

Karen Grintjes

Canton, Ohio- Karen Faye Punzel Grintjes, age 79, passed away on Monday, January 12, 2026. She was born on February 6, 1946, in Watertown, Wisconsin, to Frederick Punzel and Phyllis Pester Punzel. On July 23, 1966, she married William Grintjes, and together they shared many years of love, partnership, and cherished interests that shaped a life well lived.

Karen resided...

Larry Wayne Young

Larry Wayne Young

January 12, 2026

Larry Wayne Young

Plantersville- Larry Wayne Young, age 76, passed away peacefully at his home on Monday, January 12, 2026, surrounded by the love of his family. He was born on April 11, 1949, to Dave Young and Marie Johnston Young.

Larry proudly served his country in the United States Army, attaining the rank of Sergeant during his service from 1969 to...

Richard Estes

Richard Estes

January 11, 2026

Richard Estes passed away at the age of 76 at the Sanctuary Hospice House in Tupelo. He was born October 31, 1949, to the late O’Neal Estes and Evie Lou Waycaster Estes.

Richard was a quiet man whose laughter and smile could light up any room. While he didn’t always say much, his presence brought joy and comfort to everyone who...

Burnie Petty

Burnie Petty

January 10, 2026

Burnie Petty

Evergreen Community- Burnie Petty, age 93, passed away on Saturday, January 10, 2026. He was born on September 22, 1932, to Mayo Petty and Velma Smith Petty.

Burnie proudly served his country in the United States Army for more than 20 years, retiring with the rank of First Sergeant (E-8). During his distinguished military career, he served in World War...

Billy "Nick" Nichols

Billy "Nick" Nichols

January 7, 2026

Billy “Nick” Nichols

Tupelo- Billy Wayne “Nick” Nichols, age 81, departed this world on January 7, 2026 from the Mississippi State Veterans Home in Oxford. He was born May 17, 1944 to Willie Beatrice Harris Nichols and Robert Nichols. He grew up as one of the 4 Nichols boys who grew up in East Tupelo. They were inseparable and nobody could...

Stacy Lee Stacks

Stacy Lee Stacks

January 6, 2026

Stacy Lee Stacks

Ballardsville Community- Stacy Lee Stacks, age 60, passed away peacefully at his home on Tuesday, January 6, 2026. He was born on December 27, 1965, to Luther Clark Stacks and Betty Jo McKissick Stacks.

Stacy was an industrial equipment mechanic by trade, a role that suited him perfectly because of his natural talent for fixing things and understanding how...

Gill Simmons

Gill Simmons

January 4, 2026

Gill Simmons, age 91, passed away peacefully on Sunday, January 4, 2026, at Sanctuary Hospice House in Tupelo. He was born on June 4, 1934, in Saltillo to Josh and Bertha Simmons. He grew up in Saltillo and graduated from Saltillo High School.

Gill Simmons married Sara Ruth Miller on August 17, 1958, and together they built a life filled with...

Stanley Stone

Stanley Stone

January 3, 2026

Stanley Stone was born on January 14, 1931, to Darnel and Gladys Bishop Stone in Baldwyn, Mississippi. He was predeceased by his younger brother Wayne and by his parents. Stanley grew up in the Baldwyn area until the family moved to northwestern Alabama. They moved back to Baldwyn, where he finished high school and ran the motion pictures at the...

James Lawrence "Larry" Fears

James Lawrence "Larry" Fears

December 30, 2025

Larry Fears, 88, of Tupelo, went to be with the Lord on December 30, 2025. He passed away peacefully, surrounded by family members, at Sanctuary Hospice after a years long battle with Parkinson’s Disease and Lewy body dementia.

Born November 11, 1937, in Amory, Mississippi, where he was raised by his grandmother, Lena Mundy Fears (affectionately known as Mama Fears), from...

Ruth Patterson

Ruth Patterson

December 30, 2025

Saltillo – Ruth Patterson gained her angel wings peacefully, in her sleep, after a lengthy battle with Dementia and Parkinson's Disease on Tuesday, December 30th, 2025, at the age of 86. She attended Tupelo Church of God. Ruth was born East of Saltillo in the Springhill Community to Isom and Lizzie Parker on August 1, 1939. She was the 10th...

Shane Smith

Shane Smith

December 29, 2025

Tupelo – Robert Shane Smith, a devoted father, grandfather, and friend, of Tupelo, Mississippi, passed away peacefully at the age of 56, leaving behind a legacy of love and kindness. Born on May 27, 1969, Shane was known for his generous spirit, unwavering work ethic, and devotion to his family and friends.

Shane found joy in the simple pleasures of life....

Martha Jill Smith

Martha Jill Smith

December 29, 2025

Martha Jill Smith

Tupelo- Martha Jill Smith, age 75, passed away peacefully at her home on Monday, December 29, 2025. She was born on April 6, 1950, to Oliver Thurston Davis and Sarah Aline Sparkman.

Martha was a faithful member of East Heights Baptist Church, where she was deeply involved throughout her life. A devoted prayer warrior, she was known for her...

William "Bill" Cullin

William "Bill" Cullin

December 27, 2025

William “Bill” Cullin

Tupelo- William “Bill” Cullin, age 93, passed away peacefully on Saturday, December 27, 2025. He was born on July 29, 1932 in Detroit, Michigan, to Byron Randall Cullin and Blanche Evelyn Delano Cullin.

He was baptized on April 16, 1933, a meaningful moment early in a life shaped by faith.

Bill spent his early years in Detroit and the surrounding...

Eliza Grey Farmer

Eliza Grey Farmer

December 26, 2025

Eliza Grey Farmer

Spring Hill, Tennessee- Eliza Grey Farmer, age 4, passed away on Friday, December 26, 2025. She was born on August 27, 2021, to Seth and Hannah Farmer.

Eliza was full of life, joy, and curiosity. She was a true ball of energy who loved to sing and dance, bringing light and laughter wherever she went. She loved her friends...

Doug Lee

Doug Lee

December 25, 2025

Doug Lee

Nettleton- Doug Lee, age 82, passed away on Thursday, December 25, 2025. He was born on November 7, 1943, to Noonan Lee and Inez Duvall Lee.

Doug lived life quietly and on his own terms. He found peace in simple things, especially tending to his garden and spending time with his coin collection, interests that reflected his patience and appreciation...

Juanita L. Dillard

Juanita L. Dillard

December 24, 2025

Juanita L. Dillard

Saltillo- On Wednesday, December 24, 2025, at NMMC Hospice, Juanita Dillard, faithful, loving wife and mother left this earth to be in the presence of her Lord and Savior. She was born in Arkansas on November 21, 1931, to Robert and Winnie Lanphere. She graduated from Saltillo High School and lived most of her life in the Springhill...