Laurene Easterling

Saltillo - Laurene Easterling, 94, passed away on Saturday, October 31, 2026. She was born on December 1, 1931, to her parents, James L. Dillard and Carrie Dillard. She was a proud and lifelong resident of Lee County.

Laurene was a student at Saltillo High School and graduated in 1939. Throughout the years, she worked at Hunter Sadler and also spent several years as a beautician. Her faith was an important part of her life, and she was a longtime member of Fellowship Baptist Church, where she served as song director for several years. She found great joy in cooking and, above all, spending time with her family. She treasured her many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren, each of whom held a special place in her heart. She also enjoyed settling in to watch a good football game on television. Her love for her family, her faith, and the simple joys of life made her a special part of the lives of those who knew and loved her.

Laurene is survived by her sons, Gary McKissick (Deborah) of Saltillo and Johnny McKissick (Sharon) of Foley, Alabama; stepdaughter, Lisa Sewell (Dwayne) of Tupelo; nine grandchildren; twenty-three great-grandchildren; and seven great-great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Wayne T. Easterling; brothers, Ewing Dillard, Charles Dillard, Buddy Dillard, and Lamar Dillard; sister, Doris Poteet; and stepdaughter, Jan Levesque.

Pallbearers will be Greg McKissick, Matt McKissick, Mike Dillard, Steve Dillard, Bobby Dillard, and David DeVaughn.

Visitation will be from 12 p.m. until service time on Tuesday, November 3, 2026, at Pegues, Saltillo.

The funeral service honoring Laurene’s life will be at 1 p.m. on Tuesday, November 3, 2026, at Pegues, Saltillo, with Bro. Franky Smith officiating.

There is no graveside service scheduled.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that any memorials be made to Saltillo Methodist Church, 737 Old Hwy 45, PO Box 146, Saltillo, MS 38866, and designated for “Meals on Wheels.”

Expressions of sympathy and fond memories may be left at www.peguesfuneralhome.com.