OBITUARIES

Danny Raper

Danny Raper

March 14, 2026

Danny Raper

The Evergreen Community- Danny Samuel Raper passed away peacefully at his home on March 14, 2026, following an extended illness. He was born on December 24, 1949, in Lee County, Mississippi, to Samuel Jack Raper and Mildred Beatrice Dean Raper. Danny was known as a laid-back, dependable man whose steady presence and kind spirit touched the lives of many...

Vernon Arnold

Vernon Arnold

March 14, 2026

Vernon Arnold

March 5, 1945 – March 14, 2026

The Lord called Vernon Arnold home on the morning of March 14, 2026, from his home in Saltillo, Mississippi, following a short battle with pulmonary fibrosis—one he faced with strength, courage, and the kind of humor that defined his life.

During his illness, Vernon often said, “If this disease takes me, I’ll go home...

Allen McDaniel

Allen McDaniel

March 13, 2026

Leslie Allen McDaniel

Tupelo – Leslie Allen McDaniel, lovingly known as Allen to his friends, “Coach Mac” to generations of students, and “Daddy Mac” to the family who adored him, passed away peacefully on March 13, 2026, at the age of 76. A devoted husband, father, grandfather, teacher, business leader, and community builder, Allen lived a life marked by faith, mentorship,...

Alfred Raeburn "Rae" McConnell, Jr.

Alfred Raeburn "Rae" McConnell, Jr.

March 12, 2026

Rae McConnell

Alfred Raeburn “Rae” McConnell, Jr., 84 passed away peacefully March 12, 2026, the day before his 85th birthday, in the care of Gentiva Hospice at Baptist Memorial Hospital in New Albany after a recent illness and cancer battle. Born in Tupelo on March 13, 1941, to the late Alfred Raeburn McConnell and Elizabeth Milam McConnell, he was a lifelong...

Paul Hitchcock

Paul Hitchcock

March 12, 2026

Tupelo-Paul B. Hitchcock passed away peacefully on Thursday, March 12, 2026 at Tupelo Community Care after a lengthy illness. He was 87 years old. Born August 7, 1939 in Pontotoc County, he was the son of Chester B. Hitchcock and Annie Lou Roberts Hitchcock. Paul was a member of Wallfield Baptist Church and lived out his faith daily through his...

Gerald Horton

Gerald Horton

March 12, 2026

Gerald Horton

Gerald David Horton, 79, passed away on Thursday, March 12, 2026, at North Mississippi Medical Center after a brief illness. He was born July 23, 1946, in Tupelo, to Cyrous Horton and Christine Edge Horton. Gerald was a graduate of Saltillo High School and later earned his electrical license through a mail-in electrical school. Even during his years working...

Glenda Faye Saylors

Glenda Faye Saylors

March 11, 2026

Glenda Faye Saylors

Saltillo- Glenda Faye Saylors, age 80, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, March 11, 2026. She was born on September 7, 1945, to Fountain Hubert and Harriet Jane Robinson Hubert.

Glenda was a woman whose life reflected her deep faith, generous spirit, and love for others. She was a longtime member of West Jackson Street Baptist Church and also attended...

Chris Phipps

Chris Phipps

March 10, 2026

Chris Phipps

Thomas Christopher “Chris” Phipps, age 71, passed away on Tuesday, March 10, 2026. He was born on July 23, 1954, to Jack S. Phipps, Sr. and Nancy Albritton Phipps.

Chris lived life with a spirit of adventure and a deep love for people. He enjoyed kayaking, backpacking, and traveling, and especially cherished the opportunity to explore Africa on safari. Whether...

Franklin "Frank" Charles Breaux

Franklin "Frank" Charles Breaux

March 10, 2026

Saltillo- Franklin “Frank” Charles Breaux passed away peacefully Tuesday, March 10, 2026 surrounded by family and loved ones. Frank was born March 25, 1951 and grew up in Aberdeen, Mississippi where he met his wife, Nancy Myers Freeman. They were married in 1972 and moved to Saltillo, Mississippi where they started their family.

Frank worked at Ken Jeter Store Equipment from...

William Stacey "Bill" Yarbrough

William Stacey "Bill" Yarbrough

March 10, 2026

William Stacey "Bill" Yarbrough

Tupelo – William Stacey “Bill” Yarbrough passed to his heavenly home on Tuesday, March 10, 2026, at the age of 91. Bill was born September 28, 1934, to Mildred Rail Parker and Henry Quay Yarbrough of Belden, Mississippi. He graduated from Tupelo High School in 1952. He later attended and graduated from Itawamba Community College and the...

Peggy Brooks

Peggy Brooks

March 7, 2026

Peggy Brooks

Tupelo- Peggy Brooks entered the arms of her Savior after a long illness. Surrounded by family at The Sanctuary Hospice House, she passed away peacefully on March 7, 2026, at the age of 82 in Tupelo, Mississippi - the same town where her beautiful life began. Peggy was born on April 6, 1943, to Clyde and Willie Lou Cook.

Peggy...

Betty Clayton

Betty Clayton

March 7, 2026

Betty Clayton

Tupelo- Betty Clayton, age 88, passed away peacefully on Saturday, March 7, 2026. She was born on December 9, 1937, to Cleburn Anderson Robison and Mattie Lou Johnson Robison.

Betty was a truly caring and kind-hearted lady who touched the lives of everyone who knew her. She had a deep appreciation for life’s simple joys and especially loved spending time...

Jerry D. Smith

Jerry D. Smith

March 5, 2026

Jerry D. Smith

Saltillo- Jerry D. Smith, age 84, passed away on Thursday, March 5, 2026. He was born on January 13, 1942, to Jim Smith and Cleo Pearson Smith.

During his high school years, Jerry was a standout football player, serving as the team’s center. His leadership and dedication helped lead his team to numerous championship victories, creating memories and friendships...

Thomas Herman Pannell

Thomas Herman Pannell

March 3, 2026

Thomas Herman Pannell

Tupelo- Thomas Herman Pannell, age 78, passed away on Tuesday, March 3, 2026, at North Mississippi Medical Center. Born on July 28, 1947, to Johnny Pannell and Sallie Blair Pannell, Thomas lived a life marked by faith, dedication, and a genuine love for people.

Thomas built a respected career as an engineer, bringing intelligence, skill, and integrity to his...

Nan Gilbert

Nan Gilbert

March 1, 2026

Nan Lassetter Gilbert

April 13, 1934 - March 1, 2026

Nan Lassetter Gilbert, 91, of Tupelo, Mississippi, passed from this world into the next on March 1, 2026. She was born in Harperville, Mississippi, on April 13, 1934, to Benjamin Poole and Lola Louise Lyle Lassetter, and grew up there with her five brothers and one sister. Nan was preceded in death...

Kenneth Stanford

Kenneth Stanford

March 1, 2026

Kenneth Stanford

Kenneth Ray Stanford, 87, crossed into Glory on March 1, 2026. He was born on July 31, 1938, in Ratliff, Mississippi to Ed and Gertrude Stanford.

After serving in the US National Guard, Kenneth had a long-standing career with the Tupelo Public School district. He married Gloria Brown Stanford in 1956, welcoming six children to the world during their time...

Walter Robinson

Walter Robinson

February 27, 2026

Auburn Community- Roger Walter Robinson went to be with his Lord and Savior on February 27, 2026, surrounded by the family he loved.

Born on April 23, 1944, in Lee County, Mississippi, to Vernon and Christeen Robinson, Walter was the kind of man you could count on. If something broke, if you were stranded, or if you just needed help, he...

Anita Jean Spencer Whaley

Anita Jean Spencer Whaley

February 26, 2026

Anita “Nita” Jean Spencer Whaley

Saltillo – Anita “Nita” Jean Spencer Whaley passed away peacefully after a courageous battle with cancer at the age of 68 on Thursday, February 26, 2026, at North Mississippi Medical Center in Iuka. Born on June 27, 1957, to Elton Ray Spencer and Catherine Prentiss Lewis, Nita’s life was filled with creativity, strength, and a deep...

Leon "Lee" Robert Beede

Leon "Lee" Robert Beede

February 26, 2026

Leon “Lee” Robert Beede

Mantachie – Leon “Lee” Robert Beede passed away at the age of 64 on Thursday, February 26, 2026, at his home. He was born to Leon Beede and Dola Mims Beede on June 13, 1961. He was a devoted father and grandfather, and loved his family dearly.

It is with deep love and gratitude that we remember a...

William "Andy" Mercer

William "Andy" Mercer

February 25, 2026

Tupelo - William “Andy” Mercer passed away at the age of 71 on Wednesday, February 25, 2026, at his home. He was born to the late William E. Mercer and Julia A. Moore Mercer on September 1, 1954. He was a beloved father, grandfather, and brother. He will be missed deeply by his family that he adored and cherished.

Andy will...