AVA REE COLLEY
BELMONT, MS – Ava Ree Colley, 15, passed away Monday, September 1, 2025. She was born in Tupelo, MS and was a sophomore at Belmont High School. She attended Palestine Community Church.
Services will be Friday, September 5, 3 p.m. at Palestine Community Church, Paden, MS with Bro. Scotty Young and Bro. Danny Young officiating. Visitation will be 1-3 p.m. at the church. There will also be visitation on Thursday, September 4, beginning at 5 p.m. at Landmark Baptist Church, Dennis, MS. Burial will be in Palestine Cemetery. Deaton Funeral Home, Belmont, MS will be in charge of arrangements.
Ava is survived by her parents, Eric and Amanda Colley; siblings, Michael Hunter Colley, Mollie Colley and Katelyn Colley; grandparents, Mike and Betty Colley and Danny and Lanelle Young; uncles and aunts, Amy and Derrick Dexter, Donnie and Kayla Colley, Brandon and Brandy Young and Denise Wilson.
She was preceded in death by her great-grandparents, Jody Hollis, Pete and Martha Colley and Vida Nichols.
Pallbearers will be Eric Colley, Hunter Colley, Donnie Colley, Nick Colley, Derrick Dexter, Jackson Dexter, Ethan Dexter and Bradley Sparks
Lloyd Harry McBride
Lloyd Harry McBride, 89, of Iuka, Mississippi, died Tuesday, June 25, 2025, at North Mississippi Medical Center in Tupelo, Mississippi.
As a local businessman, he was well known in the Iuka community for owning and operating McBride’s Meat Market and McBride’s Meat Processing Plant. He also operated a delivery service to small, rural grocery stores, traveling as far as Holly Springs on his routes.
Over the years, he developed deep roots in these rural areas. It was a rare outing when he didn’t meet someone he knew. As an entrepreneur, he developed a special seasoning recipe for fresh sausage which he sold upon his retirement. This unique blend is still being used to this day.
He enjoyed cooking and would often bake bread or cakes which he would deliver to local businesses he patronized, his many friends, and family. He was active in church acting as music director and youth director. He loved music, especially gospel, and looked forward to attending gospel music singings and quartet conventions.
Over the years he owned several Boston Terriers; his last was Katie who he loved dearly. He also was quite fond of his cat, Thistle.
He married the love of his life, Charlotte Irene Osborne, January 19, 1955. They were married 62 years until her death in April 2017. In her later years, Charlotte suffered many health issues leading eventually to her confinement in a wheelchair. Lloyd was a faithful, loving husband through it all. They were truly soul mates and an example to all.
Funeral services are scheduled for 2:30 PM on Saturday, August 30, 2025, at Ludlam Funeral Home Chapel, officiated by Bro. Daryl Stafford. Ludlam Funeral Home of Iuka, Mississippi, is entrusted with arrangements.
Survivors include one sister – Joyce Brumley (Donald) of Iuka; and several nieces, nephews, and great nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife, Charlotte; his parents; Nander and Effie McBride; his brothers, J.C. McBride (Christine) and Cecil McBride; and his sisters, Rayde Wade (Oren), Johnnie Stephens (William), and Betty Morgan (Tharon). It is requested that no flowers or memorials be sent.
Betty Quillen
Betty Quillen was born on June 30, 1935, and passed from this life on September 4, 2025.
She was a hard worker, and she loved people. This was evident in her career choice as a nurse and her dedication to the Iuka Hospital. Betty was a Christian and a member of Friendship Baptist Church. She attended Spring Hill Church while she was able. Betty was also a member of the Order of the Eastern Star.
She was preceded in death by her husbands, Sidney “Lum” Kirk and Forest Quillen, her parents, Saul and Loney Highland, four brothers, James and Lila Highland, Porter and Bea Highland, Jourdan Highland, and William and Lis Highland, and seven sisters, Pearl and Franklin Barrett, Christine and Willard Cooper, Emer Gene and Alvie White, Lorene and Hubert Rhodes, Ruby and Horace Brown, Mary and Charlie Coggins, and Annie and Billy Wiley; and her step-daughters, Nedra and Pete Walker, Mary and Ralph Smallwood, Inez and Ershell McNutt, and Algie and John Harris.
She is survived by several grandchildren that she loved very much and many nieces and nephews.
Cutshall Funeral Home in Iuka, MS is entrusted with the arrangements. Visitation is scheduled for Monday, September 8, 2025, from 11:30 A.M. until 1:30 P.M. at Cutshall Funeral Home Chapel in Iuka. Graveside services will be held on Monday, September 8, 2025, at 2:00 P.M. at Campground Cemetery, officiated by Bro. Franky Smith. Burial will follow in Campground Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations may be made to Campground Cemetery Fund or to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital. An online guestbook may be accessed at http://www.cutshallfuneralhome.com.
David Lee Thorne, JR.
David Lee Thorne, Jr., age 4, of Jackson, Mississippi, entered his eternal home on September 4, 2025.
“Jesus said, ‘Let the little children come to me and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of heaven.’”
Lee was born on November 11, 2020, to Martha Ann and Lee Thorne. He brought them more joy than anyone could have ever imagined. In 2023, Lee became a big brother to Sam Thorne—a role he mostly loved until it was time to share his favorite toys.
Little Lee was loved by so many as evidenced by the many relationships he acquired in his short time here on earth.
Visitation will be held from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Monday, September 8, and a memorial service will take place at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, September 9, at First Presbyterian Church of Jackson, Mississippi. The service will be officiated by Dr. David Strain and Rev. David Felker. Interment will follow at Grace Cemetery at Madison Heights Church.
Pallbearers will be Chase Wynn, Christopher Loftin, David Allen, Jr., Grant Ridgway, Josh Shideler, Phillip Parker, PK Thomas, and Price Davis. Arrangements are entrusted to Wright and Ferguson Funeral Home.
Even before birth, Lee faced immense challenges. Diagnosed with Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome, he underwent four open-heart surgeries and countless procedures and appointments during his short life. Yet through it all, Lee never complained. He was consistently loving, brave, kind, and polite to everyone he met. One of his favorite parts of “having a special heart” was getting to play with his friends at Children’s rehab.
Lee loved swinging in the backyard, music of all kinds, playing with friends, Paw Patrol, only the Weezer version of “Lost in the Woods” from Frozen, and Bluey. He adored dance parties and bedtime pillow forts. His favorite trips included visiting the Peabody Ducks in Memphis, the beach, and “New Norlins.” He had begun learning the Children’s Catechism and cherished his time at First Pres Day School. Lee’s favorite color was blue, and those attending his memorial service are invited to wear blue in his memory.
Lee is survived by his parents, Martha Ann and Lee Thorne; his little brother, Sam; his grandmother, Shelia H. Thorne; and grandparents, Dr. and Mrs. Carolyn and David Allen. He is also survived by his aunts and uncles, Mary Brook and PK Thomas, and Charlotte and David Allen, Jr.; and cousins Will, Henry, Lillian, Judd, and Harris. He is preceded in death by his grandfather, David Reynolds Thorne.
Lee’s final months were difficult, but they were also filled with so much joy thanks to the compassionate care of the nurses, therapists, and doctors at Texas Children’s Hospital. The Thorne family is forever grateful to his care team for loving Lee—and his parents—so well.
Lee was small, but he was mighty. His impact on this world will not be forgotten and we will all try to live like Lee.
DONALD W. HOLLAND
RED BAY, AL – Donald W. Holland, 61, died Tuesday, September 2, 2025 at the Red Bay Hospital. He was born in Iuka, MS and worked at Sunshine Homes for over thirty years.
Services will be Saturday, September 6, 2 p.m. at Deaton Funeral Home Chapel, Red Bay, AL with Jarod Massey officiating. Visitation will be 12-2 p.m. Saturday, September 6, at Deaton Funeral Home, Red Bay, AL. Burial will be in Red Bay City Cemetery. Deaton Funeral Home, Red Bay, AL will be in charge of arrangements.
He is survived by his children, Dustin Holland, Carissa Holland (Harlan Moore) and Carrie Borden (Justin); two grandchildren, Carter Holland and Raya Moore; two sisters, Lynette Kemp and Pat Stewart (J.P.) and a step-son, Shawn Tyler Locker.
He was preceded in death by his parents, T.B. Holland and Betty Taylor Holland.
Pallbearers will be Harlan Moore, Dustin Faulkner, Michael Kemp and J.P. Stewart.
Henry Butch Miller
Henry Butch Miller, 66, of Counce, Tennessee, died on Sunday, September 7, 2025, at North Mississippi Medical Center in Tupelo, MS. Butch was a Christian and loved the Lord. His longtime career as a truck driver took him all over the country, and he enjoyed both the work and the travel it provided him. When he wasn’t on the road, he liked doing yardwork, tinkering with cars and trucks, and spending time with his family. Butch is survived by his daughters, Lori Garrison, Teresa Driver, and Amanda King; 18 grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; and his sisters, Rachel Alsup and Vera Juanita Campbell. He was preceded in death by his son, David Miller; his mother, Vera Stanford Vinson; and his father, Henry Miller. Cutshall Funeral Home in Iuka, MS, is entrusted with the arrangements. Visitation is scheduled from 11:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. on Wednesday, September 10, 2025, at Cutshall Funeral Home in Iuka. Funeral services will follow at 1:00 p.m. in the Cutshall Funeral Home Chapel in Iuka, officiated by Bro. Paul Childress. Interment will be in Providence Cemetery. An online guestbook may be accessed at http://www.cutshallfuneralhome.com.
Raymond Zurinsky
Raymond Zurinsky, 78, beloved husband, father, grandfather, and brother, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, September 2, 2025, at his home in Eastport, MS.
Ray was born to Ann and Raymond Zurinsky in Elizabeth, NJ on October 29, 1946.
A man of God, Ray trusted that Jesus Christ had saved him by His Life, Death, Burial, and Resurrection. He attended church all of his life, most recently at Way of Life Worship Center in Tishomingo, MS.
A mechanical engineer and project manager, for many years Ray worked in the aerospace industry and had overseen several projects for companies like Lockheed Martin, NASA, and Johnson Controls.
In more recent years, Ray enjoyed his retirement with his wife, Jennifer. He loved spending time with his family, cooking, and traveling.
Ray was preceded in death by his mother, Ann Zurinsky Pontus, and his father, Raymond Zurinsky.
He is survived by his wife, Jennifer, his brother, Richard (Laurie), his children William Zurinsky, Nathanael Zurinsky, Rachel Bivins (Johnny, Jr.), David Zurinsky (Stephanie), and eleven grandchildren.
Cutshall Funeral Home in Iuka, MS, is entrusted with the arrangements. Services will be held at Way of Life Worship Center in Tishomingo, MS on Saturday, September 6, 2025, at 3:00 in the afternoon with burial at Snowdown Cemetery in Iuka, MS. Visitation will begin at 2:00 in the afternoon at Way of Life Worship Center. An online guestbook may be accessed at http://www.cutshallfuneralhome.com.
Alton Ray Yow
Alton Ray Yow, 83, of Eupora, MS, formerly of Iuka, MS and Southaven, MS, passed away peacefully at his home in Eupora on Tuesday, September 9, 2025.
Alton loved hunting, fishing and most importantly spending time with his family.
He is survived by his daughters, Sandra Hamrick (Wendel) of Olive Branch and Angie Monaghan (Mike) of Eupora; six grandchildren, Anthony Yow, Jr. (Diane), Nicholas Johnson, Billy Brandon, Justin Brandon (Madison), Audra Hamrick and Seth Hamrick; two great grandchildren, Ivrie Ferrell and Mazie Brandon; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Alton was preceded in death by his wife, Charlotte Ann Gray Yow and a son, Anthony Ray Yow, Sr; as well as his parents Grady and Frances Yow; three brothers, Wayne, Hoyt and Donald Yow and a sister, Margaret Yow Counce.
A Celebration of Life in Alton’s honor to be announced later. In lieu of flowers, please make online gifts in memory of Alton Yow to the Dementia Society of America www.DementiaSociety.org/donate, or any charity of your choice.
Bobbie Jean Johnson Wilemon
Bobbie Jean Johnson Wilemon, 85, passed away on Sunday, September 14, 2025, at the Southern Magnolia Assisted Living Facility in Golden following an extended illness.
Bobbie was born on August 12, 1940, in Booneville to the late Asberry and Harriet Johnson and grew up in the Burton community in Prentiss County. She attended school in Burton and graduated in 1958 from New Site High School, where she was the salutatorian. She married J.P. Wilemon, Jr. on August 2, 1959, and they made their home in Belmont. Over the years, she worked at Strickland Five and Ten Cent Store in Belmont and as a teacher assistant at Belmont Elementary, but her greatest joy was serving and caring for her family, church, and community. She was a faithful supporter of her husband and children in their endeavors. She was a talented seamstress and cook. She was a member of New Providence Primitive Baptist Church for more than 60 years.
Bobbie is survived by her husband, J.P. of Belmont; her son, Mack Wilemon and wife Nelda of Iuka; her daughter Gina Smith and husband Greg of Tupelo; grandchildren, Lydia Mills and husband Collin of Oxford, Clancy Sanford and husband Noah of Seminary, and Jenny Kate Ernst and husband Konrad of Oxford; and great-grandchildren, Fulton, Price, Ann Ramsey, and Bess.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her sister, Lourine Lowrey of Burton; and her brother, Junior Johnson of Madison, Indiana.
Cutshall Funeral Home in Iuka, MS, is entrusted with the arrangements. Visitation will be from 10:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. on Wednesday, September 17, 2025, at Cutshall Funeral Home in Iuka, followed by services at 1:00 p.m., with Elders Steve Leggett, Clinton Barnett, and Pete Perry officiating. Entombment will follow at Dennis Memory Garden in Dennis.
Pallbearers include Konrad Ernst, Layne Harris, Collin Mills, Noah Sanford, Buddy Wiltshire, and Zach Yow. Memorials may be made in Bobbie’s honor to St. Jude Children Research Hospital. An online guestbook may be accessed at www.cutshallfuneralhome.com.
David Sylvester McAuley
David Sylvester McAuley, 84, of Iuka, MS, passed away on Monday, September 8, 2025, at his home.
He enjoyed fishing, raising a garden, rabbit hunting, and watching football and crime shows. His favorite pastime was spending time with his family and friends. David retired from the City of Iuka.
He is survived by a daughter, Beth Bolton of Cherokee, AL (Gary Bolton of Iuka, MS); his son, Randy McAuley of Iuka, MS (Lareath McAuley); four grandchildren, Lauren McAuley of Dickson, TN, Ashley Miller (Keith) of Cherokee, AL, Jon Bolton (Audrey) of Blue Mountain, MS, and Lindsey Bolton (John) of Bolivar, TN; his great-grandchildren, Karlie Herrell, Emily Wigginton, Aubrey Wigginton, Katelyn Miller, all of Cherokee, AL, Addlely Tillmon and Aylana Tillmon of Bolivar, TN, Jon Jr. Flurry and Heidi Flurry of Burnsville, MS, Olivia Myers of Cumberland Furnace, TN, McAuley Bolton and Allie Bolton of Blue Mountain, MS; two dear sister-in-laws, Gloria Boyles of Oakland, TN and Louise Bonds of Iuka, MS; and several special nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Alma Ruth McAuley; his parents, John Henry McAuley and Dorothy Pusser Bridges; four brothers, Henry EUgene McAuley, Wayne McAuley, James LeRoy McAuley, and Graylon Pusser.
Cutshall Funeral Home in Iuka, MS is entrusted with the arrangements. Visitation is scheduled for Friday, September 12, 2025, from 5:00 P.M. until 8:00 P.M., at Cutshall Funeral Home in Iuka. Funeral services are scheduled for Saturday, September 13, 2025, at 1:00 P.M., at Cutshall Funeral Home Chapel in Iuka, officiated by Tamela Hill and Buddy James. Interment will follow in Mt. Evergreen Cemetery.
Pallbearers will be Gary Bolton, Rex Harris, Bobby Lynn Rice, John Tillmon, Joshua Raye, Hunter Raye, his nephews, Jim Boyles, Marty Boyles, Timmy Boyles, Barry Boyles, Tommy Rice, Frank Rice, and Edward McAuley.
Memorials may be made in David’s honor to the Hope Lodge Cancer Society in Nashville, TN. An online guestbook may be accessed at http://www.cutshallfuneralhome.com.
Ilene Smith
Ilene Smith, 81, passed away Sunday, August 10, 2025. She lost her battle to dementia. She is in a much better place with no more heartaches or pain.
She is proceeded in death by her brother, James Pardue, and mother, Mary Smith.
She is survived by her daughter, Janice Smith Rader, of Tennessee and biological children, Barbara Hayes, Janet Martin, and James Bates.
A graveside service will be held Saturday, September 20 at 3:30 pm at Mt. Nebo United Methodist Church in Booneville, MS. The church is located at 214 County Road 3401, Booneville, Miss. (The GPS says it’s on the left if you come in from Hwy 30, but it’s on the right.)
Please come if you would like and flowers would be welcomed.
Carla Mckinney Obituary
Carla Elizabeth Mckinney, age 55, passed away Saturday, September 6, 2025. She is survived by her husband, Charlie Mckinney; father, Lester Blakney; brothers, Tony Blakney (Tracy) and Jason Blakney (Jennifer); sisters, Tammie Rooker (Johnny), Patricia Woodruff (Kenny), Regina Brown (Richard) and Charity Blakney (Malerie); a host of nieces and nephews; a special friend Shawn Smith. She was preceded in death by her mother, Frances Blakney; brother, Danny Poindexter; sister, Lana Watson. Visitation will be Tuesday, September 9, 2025, at Reaching Out for Souls Ministries beginning at 5:00 p.m. Funeral Service will be held Tuesday, September 10, 2025, at Reaching Out for Souls Ministries beginning at 2:00 p.m. with Rev. Elbert Reed officiating. Interment will be in Reaching Out for Souls Ministries Cemetery, Burnsville, MS. Pallbearers include Shane Woodruff, Randall Brown, Daniel Woodruff Grayson Blakney, Curtis Miles, Will Newcomb, Tony “Bones” Stricklin, Connor Bonds Shawn Smith and Gatlin Bolton. Ludlam Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Carla Elizabeth McKinney. You may leave online condolences online to the family at http://www.ludlamfuneralhome.com.
Talmage Roy Reynolds
Talmage Roy Reynolds, 78, passed away peacefully at his home on September 7, 2025, surrounded by his loving family.
He was born on October 7, 1946, in Iuka, Mississippi, to Genevia Estene Fields Reynolds and Ovel Washington Reynolds. Talmage spent his youth working alongside his family in their grocery store and in the cotton fields. After graduating from Burnsville High School, he enlisted in the United States Air Force, proudly serving during the Vietnam War as a B-52 engine mechanic while stationed in Okinawa, Japan. Following his military service, Talmage moved to Memphis, Tennessee, where he began work with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers on the Mississippi River. While working in personnel, he met the love of his life, Kathy Abraham. They were married on February 18, 1972, and shared 53 wonderful years together.
Talmage’s career in public service spanned decades. After his time with the Corps of Engineers, he worked with the U.S. Department of Defense and later returned to Burnsville, Mississippi, as contracting officer for the Tennessee-Tombigbee Waterway project. He went on to serve at the TVA Nuclear Plant before being called to the U.S. Army Missile Command at Redstone Arsenal in Huntsville. His career culminated at NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center, where he served as Director of Contractor Industrial Labor Relations until his retirement in 2010. Post-retirement, he continued consulting as a respected expert in the Davis-Bacon Act.
A man of deep faith, Talmage was baptized in 1959 at Pleasant Grove Church of Christ. He served as a deacon at Iuka Church of Christ before moving to Hartselle in 1984, where he and his family became dedicated members of the Hartselle Church of Christ. There, he served faithfully as a deacon over the jail/prison ministry and Lads to Leaders program, and later as an elder and shepherd for more than 30 years. His devotion to the Lord and His church was unwavering, and he cherished his brothers and sisters in Christ at the Hartselle congregation deeply.
Talmage loved and cherished his family. He is survived by his beloved wife, Kathy; sister Kathy Williams (Isaac); brother, Jamie Reynolds (Sherry); three children, Sandra Shaneyfelt (Brad), Matt Reynolds (Amy), and Mark Reynolds (Marcy); and seven grandchildren, Addie Rey, Mattie Lena, Samuel Walker, Marshall Abraham, Anna Kate, Marlee Marie and Laura Lee. He also leaves behind a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends.
A funeral service was held on September 11, 2025, at the Hartselle Church of Christ at 4 p.m. Tim Brown, Kevin Thompson, Greg Crippen, John Williams, Todd Williams, Terry Thompson, Todd Barrier, and Dennis Riley served as pallbearers. Honorary pallbearers included all the shepherds and deacons of the Hartselle Church of Christ and David Brown, posthumously. The burial was in the Hartselle Memory Gardens.
The family wishes to send a special note of appreciation to Cullman Regional Medical Center Hospice, his nurse Brittney Lynn, RN and all the sitters who spent time with Talmage over the last 22 months.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Hartselle Church of Christ Building Fund (P.O. Box 741, Hartselle, AL 35640).
Vera Frances Carson
Vera Frances Carson, 79, of Iuka, MS, passed away Thursday, September 18, 2025, at her residence. Born on June 22, 1946, in Tishomingo County, MS, she dedicated her life to caring for others as a registered nurse. Vera retired from North Mississippi Medical Center in Iuka after 45 years of dedicated service. She was a lifelong member of Eastport Baptist Church, and enjoyed flower gardening and traveling, as well as reading and crocheting.
Vera is survived by her husband of 59 years, Aaron Carson; and her two sons, Chris Carson (Carol) and Brett Carson (Stefanie). She also leaves behind one brother, Tommy Walker (Diane); one sister, Mary Storment; and two grandchildren, Kayla Carson and Isabella Carson. She was preceded in death by her parents, Euin and Pauline Gist Walker, and four sisters: Doris Jean Booker, Edna Earl Layton, Reba Joy Booker, and Mattie Lee Whaley.
Cutshall Funeral Home of Iuka is entrusted with arrangements. Visitation will be held on Sunday, September 21, 2025, from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM, followed by a funeral service at Cutshall Funeral Home in Iuka, MS, starting at 3:00 PM, officiated by Bro. Tim Gassaway. Interment will follow in Eastport Cemetery. Pallbearers include Jimmy Hughes, Joe Booker, Don Wilson, Joey Holt, Eric Booker, and Joseph Ayers. Memorials may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or Eastport Cemetery Fund. An online guestbook may be accessed at http://www.cutshallfuneralhome.com.