Johnnie Faye Aldridge Rafferty
Johnnie Faye Aldridge Rafferty, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend to all, passed peacefully on Monday, December 22, 2025, at the age of 94.
Born in Iuka, Mississippi, Johnnie married her high school sweetheart, Harry Francis Rafferty, in 1950, the same year they graduated from Iuka High School. Together, they shared a life filled with love, laughter, and many U-Haul adventures — moving their growing family from Jackson, TN, to Lafayette and Metairie, LA, to Memphis, TN, before finally settling in Long Beach, Mississippi, in 1975. Wherever she went, Johnnie Faye made every house a home.
A devoted mother to five and grandmother to many, Johnnie cared for her family, friends, the children she kept, and the parade of backyard wildlife with warmth, humor, and unwavering kindness. She tended homes with gentle hands and a loving heart, keeping them vibrant and full of joy. She worked in retail and bookkeeping, and shared her love of food as a caterer, creating recipes and meals that became cherished family traditions. Her garden thrived under her care, and she delighted in sewing, crocheting, and crafting gifts chosen with thought and intention.
Johnnie Faye loved music and could often be found dancing or singing along to her favorite songs, lifting the spirits of everyone around her. Her elegance, radiant smile, and personal style reflected the care and attention she put into everything she touched.
She was a member of the United Methodist Church, Beta Sigma Phi and a charter member of Hope 4 Today. In later years, she enjoyed attending First Baptist of Gulfport virtually. She also loved reading, watching football, and, above all, pouring herself into the lives of those she loved.
Johnnie was preceded in death by her husband of 75 years, Harry Francis Rafferty; her son, William Edward Rafferty; her son-in-law, Dennis Mayfield; her grandson, Jordan Ray Rafferty; her parents; Johnnie Aldridge and Elsie Aldridge and her brother James Edward Aldridge.
She is survived by her children and their spouses: Rebecca Mayfield; Frances Spruill (Mike); Mary Beth Kozakiewicz (Pete); John Rafferty; her grandchildren: Heather Rafferty; Nicole Spruill Hudson (Scott); Michael Spruill (Candis); Ben Spruill (Stephanie); Samantha Jarnigan (Grant); Derek Kozakiewicz (Quinn); Jeffrey Ward (Allison); Lauren Holder (Peyton); Steven Mayfield; and her great-grandchildren: Ella Touchstone, Johnnie Blake, Oliver Phillips, Ethan Spruill, Addy Kate Spruill, Colton Spruill, Stone Jarnigan, Scarlet Jarnigan, Gunnar Jarnigan, Galen Jarnigan, Elijah Kozakiewicz, Jackson Ward, Thomas Ward, Briar Rose Holder, Rory Kate Holder, Peyton Mayfield, along with Susan Way,Vicki Williams, Bill Gant, Harriet Gant, David Gant, Charlie, Rachel, Charlie, and Allie Gant and so many more beloved friends and extended family.
Johnnie loved deeply and generously, and if you met her once, you remembered her forever. Extraordinary and irreplaceable, she was a true matriarch who leaves behind a life well lived, a legacy of unwavering love, and stories that will be told for generations, just as she would have wanted.
A funeral service will be held on Saturday, December 27, 2025, at 4:30 PM, with a visitation beginning at 3:00 PM at St. Peters By-The-Sea Episcopal Church, 1909 15th St., Gulfport, MS. Visitation will also be on Monday, December 29, from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM at Cutshall Funeral Home in Iuka, MS, followed by a graveside service at 1:30 PM in Rutledge-Salem United Methodist Church Cemetery, where she will be laid to rest with her beloved husband. Iuka was always at the forefront of her heart, and she made sure it was ours too, giving us every reason to return, to remember, and to celebrate the roots and love that shaped her remarkable spirit. Together again, they will rest where their story began.
Riemann Family Funeral Home, Long Beach, is honored to serve the family during this time.
Nancy Brents Obituary
Nancy Carol Vanover Brents, age 78, went home to be with her Lord on December 17, 2025. She was born in Wise, VA on September 24, 1947, and lived a life marked by faith, family, and a whole lot of love.
Nancy was a devoted Christian woman whose faith was the foundation of her life. She loved the Lord and lived her beliefs quietly but faithfully, showing her love most through caring for others. Her greatest joy was her family, and she spent her life making sure everyone around her was fed, loved and looked after.
She had a deep love for flowers and plants and could often be found in her garden, tending to what she grew with the same care she gave her people. She loved cooking, canning, and growing her own vegetables, and her kitchen was the heart of the home. No one ever went hungry around Momma – especially if there were cakes, pies, or sweet treats involved.
Nancy also enjoyed yard sales and flea markets, always on the lookout for a good deal and a good story to go with it. She was funny, caring, and full of warmth, with a way of making folks feel at home the moment they walked through the door.
She was preceded in death by her husband and the love of her life, Philip Brents, whom they shared 56 years together. Their marriage was a testament to love and devotion. She was also preceded in death by her parents, Milford and Mary (Elkins) Vanover; sisters, Bea Jessee, Thelma Clay and Lina Craiger; brother, Thurman Vanover. Nancy is survived by her daughters, Sheila (Russell) Dufek and Jennifer Belue; sister, Elizabeth Tomblin; brothers, Charles Vanover, Tommy Vanover, Ernie Vanover and Randall Vanover.
Her grandchildren, Tabitha (Jeremy) Stapleton, Makayla (Mitchell) Pegler, Philip (Tiffnie) Brents-Belue, Jason (Chloe) Belue, and Brentley Belue; her great-grandchildren, Hazel Brents-Belue, Jason Paul Belue, Lainey Brents-Belue, Henry Belue, and Jameson Stapleton.
Above all else, Nancy loved her family. Her legacy lives on in full tables, blooming gardens, strong faith. and the many lives she touched with her kindness. “Well done, good and faithful servant.” — Matthew 25:23
Funeral service will be held Monday, December 22, 2025, at Ludlam Funeral Home Chapel Iuka, MS beginning at 2:00 p.m. with visitation one hour prior. Officiating will be Michael Tomblin with interment in Mount Evergreen Cemetery, Iuka, MS. Ludlam Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Nancy Carol Vanover Brents. You may leave online condolences to the family at http://www.ludlamfuneralhome.com
Wanda O. Puckett
IUKA, Miss – Wanda O. Puckett, 91, of Iuka, Mississippi, died on Saturday, December 27, 2025, at Southern Magnolia Estates in Iuka.
Wanda was a devoted Christian and through the years, joined her husband, Bro. C.I. Puckett, in the churches he pastored. After his passing, she became a member of Mt. Joy Baptist Church and enjoyed attending services when she was able. Besides her family, Wanda’s greatest joy in life was her yardwork. She could spend hours every day planting, pulling weeds, and working outside in her happy place. Not only did she have a green thumb, but she was also an extremely talented seamstress. Throughout the years, Wanda embroidered and sewed countless items, including quilts and custom clothing for her family that were far better than tailor made. Her family was her pride and joy, and there was nothing she enjoyed more than spending time with them.
Wanda is survived by her daughter, Debbie Curtis (Mike); her sons, Johnny Puckett (Beth), Greg Puckett (Shelly), and Andy Puckett (Sarah); her grandchildren, Bryan Curtis, Kim Curtis, Nicci Turner (Brandon), Travis Puckett (Laura), Carson Puckett, Jolene Puckett, Ava Puckett, and Eli Puckett; 15 great-grandchildren including the late Noah Curtis; numerous great-great-grandchildren; and a host of other family members and friends.
She was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 54 years, Bro. C.I. Puckett; her parents, Jesse and Bertha Brumley; her brothers, Raymond, Eldon, Lindsey “Judge”, and Tony Brumley; and her sisters, Stella Barrett and Lorene Wingo.
Cutshall Funeral Home in Iuka, MS, is entrusted with the arrangements. Visitation is scheduled from 1:00 p.m. until 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, December 31, 2025, at Cutshall Funeral Home Chapel in Iuka. Funeral services will follow at 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, in the chapel, officiated by Bro. Brandon Turner.
Pallbearers include Johnny Puckett, Greg Puckett, Andy Puckett, Bryan Curtis, Carson Puckett, and Jake Pruitt. Honorary pallbearers include Josh Pruitt. Burial will be in New Salem Cemetery by her husband.
Memorials may be made in Wanda’s honor to the Alzheimer’s Association. An online guestbook may be accessed at http://www.cutshallfuneralhome.com.
Christina Barrett Tavera
It is with the deepest sorrow that we announce the passing of our beloved mother, wife, sister, and best friend, Christina Michelle Barrett Tavera. She was born April 20, 1978, in Arlington Heights, IL, and left us earthside on December 30, 2025, at the age of 47, in Corinth, MS.
She will be remembered for her heart, her spunk, her endless ability to bring a memory out of the most mundane things, and most of all, her companionship for anyone who needed a friend or a listening ear. She was and is so deeply loved and made an impact on everyone who had the blessing to meet her in this lifetime.
We will remember her in all the small things in life: getting a biscuit at five in the morning, singing loudly in the car, coming up with some random meal concoction that oddly works, drinking instant coffee, seeing frogs hopping around, and so much more.
She is survived by her husband of 21 years, Adrian Tavera Cosino, whom she loved with all her might. Her six children; Eddy Suarez, Edica, Joseph, Mirella, Jazmin, and Angela, along with their respective spouses were her pride and joy. She is also survived by her siblings; Genny and Bubba; her stepfather, Jose; brother-in-law, Deion; and her paternal family from Texas; an uncle and many cousins, nieces, and nephews. She was met at the gates by her mother, Patricia Ann Solis; her grandmother, Pearl Barrett; and many aunts and uncles. An intimate celebration of her life will be held at home on January 6, 2026, at 3:00 p.m. You will be forever missed, loved, and cherished, Mama. We love you.
Edith Alexandra “Edie” Simpson
Edith Alexandra “Edie” Simpson (née Bean, formerly Martin) went home to be with the Lord on December 20, 2025, at the age of 76. Born March 8, 1949, to Jessie Estelle Martin and Elmer Earl Bean in Woonsocket, Rhode Island, Edie passed peacefully in Iuka, Mississippi, surrounded by her family.
Edie’s life reflected her deep faith and love for others. She served honorably at the VA in Providence, Rhode Island; San Francisco, California; and at Moffett Navy Base (now Moffett Federal Airfield) as the Commander’s Secretary. After moving to Iuka, Mississippi, she continued her calling as a Veterans Service Officer, guiding countless veterans with compassion and care. Her dedication extended to the VFW, where she participated in campaigns such as knitting fingerless gloves for veterans in local nursing homes, and to the American Legion, where she served in leadership roles for more than 15 years.
Family was Edie’s greatest joy. She is survived by her husband, Thomas “Tom” Simpson; daughters Haley Kolb (Tom Jr.) and Jessie Swafford (Tim); and grandchildren Amber and Shelby Swafford, and Thomas “Tom” Kolb III. She also leaves behind her brother-in-law Frederick “Fred” Simpson (Judy), nieces Michelle Williams (Doug) and Autumn Robinson (Greg), nephews Seth and Myles (Amanda) Simpson, and many cousins who will miss her dearly.
Edie loved life’s simple pleasures and had many hobbies, including reading, sewing, crocheting, knitting, bowling, and creating. In her younger years, she was active in the Cat Fanciers’ Association (CFA), where she managed Stud Books and proudly showed her Silver Persians from her own cattery.
Edie was described as loving, gentle, and spirited. Her presence brought comfort and inspiration to all who knew her. As we reflect on her life, we are reminded of the words of the Apostle Paul: “And now these three remain: faith, hope, and love. But the greatest of these is love.” (1 Corinthians 13:13)
Edie embodied these virtues every day. Her spirit will continue to light the way for those who had the privilege of knowing her.
A Scottish wake will be held on March 7, 2026, at 2 PM at the American Legion in Iuka, MS. We ask that you wear comfortable, colorful, celebratory attire (not black) and share your favorite pictures of Edie at greybluedogs@gmail.com & tbswafford@bellsouth.net. Her memory will live on in the hearts of her loved ones forever.
Ludlam Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Edith Alexandra “Edie” Simpson. You may leave online condolences to the family at http://www.ludlamfuneralhome.com.
Gene McVay
Gene McVay, born on January 17, 1938, in Iuka, Mississippi, passed away on January 3, 2026, at the Hospitality House. He was a simple and quiet man who truly loved his family. Gene dedicated much of his life to them. He graduated from Iuka High School and was proud to serve as a member of the Iuka National Guard.
Gene enjoyed working as a photographer. He particularly loved capturing family photos and weddings. Additionally, he worked part-time at the Vidette. His work allowed him to connect with many people and create lasting memories.
Gene was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Carolyn McVay, his daughter, Sandra Kay McVay, and his parents, John H. and Olene McVay. He is survived by his sisters-in-law, Rose Ham Hayes and Diane Ham, his brother-in-law, James Ham, and his niece, Randi Bishop.
Cutshall Funeral Home in Iuka, MS is entrusted with the arrangements. A graveside service for Gene McVay will be held on Monday, January 5, 2026, at Mt. Evergreen Cemetery in Iuka, Mississippi. The service will start at 2:00 PM. Gene will always be remembered for his love of family and his passion for photography.
Glenda Beatrice Ramsey
Glenda Beatrice Ramsey, 81, of Lawrenceburg, Kentucky, passed away on Tuesday, December 23, 2025, in her home. Glenda was born in Iuka, MS, on August 15, 1944, to Cecil and Olene Jones. She spent many years working as a bank teller before retiring and eventually moving in with her daughter. She loved listening to southern gospel music and watching the Cardinal birds that she fed outside her window. In her free time, she also enjoyed watching basketball, especially the Memphis Grizzlies. Above all else, however, Glenda loved her grandsons, Luke and Levi, and greatly cherished each moment she got to spend with them. Glenda is survived by her daughter, Rebecca Fletcher (Billy); her grandsons, Luke Johnson (Chloe) and Levi Johnson; and a host of other family members and friends. She was preceded in death by her husband, Billy Don Ramsey; 2 children, Don Ramsey and Debbie Ramsey; her parents, Cecil and Olene Jones; and her brother, Wayne Jones. Cutshall Funeral Home in Iuka, MS, is entrusted with the arrangements. Visitation is scheduled from 12:00 noon until 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, January 3, 2026, at Cutshall Funeral Home in Iuka. Funeral services will follow at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday in the chapel, officiated by Don Chandler. Pallbearers include Billy Fletcher, Luke Johnson, Levi Johnson, Jim Ramsey, Stewart Teague, and Jason Seratt. Burial will be in Oak Grove Cemetery. An online guestbook may be accessed at http://www.cutshallfuneralhome.com.
Jessie Roach Obituary
Jessie Thomas Roach, 58, passed away at his home on December 29, 2025. He enjoyed spending time with his wife, children, and grandchildren. He loved being outside doing just about anything. He truly enjoyed riding his Harley with his nephew. He leaves behind his wife, Toni Roach, of 16 years; son, Tommylee Roach (Miranda) of Blue Mountain, MS; two daughters, Catherine Roach and Jessica Roach, both of Iuka, MS; a very special nephew, Jessie Cosby of Iuka; and a special niece, Savanna Holt of Iuka. He also leaves behind nine grandchildren; two brothers, Jackie Roach (Krista) of Iuka and Jason Perry (Marcy) of Corinth; and two sisters, Patricia Cosby of Corinth, MS, and Holly Rolland (John) of Cherry Valley, Arkansas. He is preceded in death by one son, Thomas Roach; his mother, Brenda Perry; and his father, Gene Roach.
Mary Helen McAnally
Mary Helen McAnally, beloved mother, grandmother, and faithful servant of the Lord, went to be home with her Savior on January 15, 2026, at the age of 91.
Her life was a steadfast reflection of her unwavering faith. She leaves behind a legacy of love and strength that has always guided her family and will continue for generations to come. As a testament to her love for the Lord, Helen loved singing and listening to gospel music, reading her bible, and attending church every time the doors were open. She enjoyed working in the yard with her flowers and spending time in her garden growing food to feed others. She loved cooking and always made sure her kitchen was open and stocked with her homemade biscuits. Helen was born February 2, 1934.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Jim and Esther Phifer; her husband, Louis Burt McAnally; a son, Tommy McAnally; two grandsons, Jason Bobo and Seth McGee; her brothers, Chunky, Harold, Billy Ray, Junior, Randel, and Jimmy Dale Phifer; and a sister, Betty Faye Phifer.
She is survived by her sons, Timmy McAnally, Tony McAnally (Tonya), and Stevie McAnally (Tammy); and her daughters, Kathy Bobo (Vernon), Sherry Sparks (Gerry), Vickie McGee (Steve), and Connie Smith (Mike). She is also survived by her grandchildren, Camilla Hopper, Tyler Bobo (Chelsey), Jacob McAnally (Chrystal), Ian McAnally, Lydia Lambert (Lyonel), Beth Davis (Robert), Anna Glenn (Cameron), Andy Sparks, Katelynn Gilliland (Daniel), Taylor Gibson (David), Tanner McAnally, Charlie McAnally, Cooper McAnally, Maggie Floyd (Davis), and Michael Smith (Kadyn); as well as, 26 great-grandchildren; and 6 great-great-grandchildren. Additionally, she is survived by two brothers, Doyle Gene Phifer and Donnie Phifer (Sheila); and two sisters, Ann Phifer and Maxine Phifer.
Cutshall Funeral Home in Iuka, MS, is entrusted with the arrangements. Visitation is scheduled from 11:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. on Sunday, January 18, 2026, at Shady Grove Missionary Baptist Church in Tishomingo. Funeral services will follow at 3:00 p.m. on Sunday, at the church, officiated by Bro. Bobby Casteel. Interment will be in Shady Grove Cemetery.
Pallbearers include Michael Smith, Tyler Bobo, Andy Sparks, Tanner McAnally, Charlie McAnally, Cooper McAnally, Jacob McAnally, and Ian McAnally.
An online guestbook may be accessed at http://www.cutshallfuneralhome.com.
Clifford Carrel Stricklen
Clifford Carrel Stricklen, age 84, of Burnsville, Mississippi, passed away at his home on “Stricklen Hill” on Sunday, January 18, 2026. Carrel was born in Burnsville and, as a young teenager, traveled to Chicago with his twin brother, Harold, in search of work. While in Chicago, he met his wife, raised three sons, and developed his lifelong craft in carpentry. Longing for home, he moved his family back to Mississippi in 1970.
Carrel, also known as “Hansaw,” was an entrepreneur at heart. He built and managed two successful businesses: Stricklen’s Custom Cabinets, which he operated for more than 25 years, and Stricklen’s Trucking, which he ran for 10 years. Hansaw was an incredibly hardworking man who took great pride in his work. He loved his family deeply and worked tirelessly to provide for them and ensure they had the best life possible. A proud man of integrity and strong values, he always stood by his word. He also loved listening to George Jones and watching John Wayne movies and Gunsmoke. Most importantly, his family knew that he loved them unconditionally.
Carrel is survived by his three sons, Dale, Mark, and Jeff; daughters-in-law Teresa Stricklen and Martha Jumper, his grandchildren, Josh & Kyle Stricklen, Kaleigh Kizer, Cody Dye, Kennedy Dye, Sam & Carmen Stricklen, Jake Williams and his great-grandchildren Hollis Kizer and Beau Williams. He was preceded in death by his parents, Clifford and Mamie Stricklen; his daughter, Alison Stricklen; and his siblings, Cecil Stricklen, Avon Stricklen, Harold Stricklen, Ethel Bray, Merle Bobo, and Ruth Mitchell.
Cutshall Funeral Home of Iuka, Mississippi, is entrusted with the arrangements. Visitation will be held on Thursday, January 22, 2026, beginning at 12:00 p.m. until service time. Funeral services are scheduled for 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, January 22, 2026, officiated by Bro. Bobby Johnson. Burial will follow at Little Flock Cemetery.
An online guestbook can be accessed at http://www.cutshallfuneralhome.com
Barbara Jane Shook
Barbara Jane Shook, age 79, passed away Wednesday, January 14, 2026.
She loved teaching, sewing, crafts, shopping and playing cards. Barbara was a people pleaser and enjoyed helping others.
She is survived by her children, Janette Morgan, Melody Senn (Billy), Todd Shook and Brandt Shook (Amy); grandchildren, Brett Morgan (Jesika), Sara Wilmeth (Dakota) and Madison Morgan; five great grandchildren; sister, Linda McCoy; niece, Sherry Mars Bradford (Monty); sisters by choice, Carolyn Brown (Richard), Linda Weaver and Gloria Stolsworth;
She was preceded in death by her parents, O.E. and Stella Barrett; nephew, Ronnie McCoy; sister, Annette Mars; sister by choice, Judy Burns. A memorial service will be held Sunday, February 1, 2026 at Ludlam Funeral Home Chapel beginning at 3:00 p.m., with visitation prior beginning at 1:00 p.m.
Bro. Dallas Culver will be officiating Ludlam Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Barbara Jane Shook. You may leave condolences online to the family at http://www.ludlamfuneralhome.com
Donald Ray “Donnie” Calton
Donald Ray “Donnie” Calton, a proud veteran of the United States Army, passed away on Thursday, January 22, 2026, at the age of 89. Donnie was one of the most honest and kind men you could ever meet. After his time in the Army, he spent 33 years at Wurlitzer constructing organs and 11 years at Quartet building office supplies. Donnie was an incredible cook and while at Quartet, they’d hold monthly meals that he’d always cook for, where everyone would rave about his famous banana pudding, taco soup, and chicken salad. He loved listening to music, and his go to gifts for birthdays, anniversaries, and holidays were custom burnt CDs that he made specially for each person. He found a lot of joy in fixing up his yard, constantly adding to the many flowers and plants he already had. Above everything else, though, Donnie loved his family and spending time with them. Donnie is survived by his beloved wife, Shirley M. Calton; his brother, Jimmy Calton (Martha); his nieces and nephews, Chris Calton, Dana Wheeler (Brian), Brad Calton, and Will Bray (Bonnie); great-nieces and nephews, Channing Wheeler, Parker Calton, Silas Bray, and Katie Sue Bray; his siblings-in-law, Betty Gilmore and Larry Bray (Linda); and a host of other family members and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Luther and Myrtle Calton; his brothers, Billy Calton and Hugh L. Calton; his nephew, Donnie Calton; his parents-in-law, Tommy and Earnestine Bray; and his brother-in-law, Johnny Gilmore. 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 Friday, January 23, 2026, at Rowland Mills Missionary Baptist Church. Funeral services will follow at the church on Friday at 1:00 p.m., officiated by Bro. Franky Smith. Interment will be in Rowland Mills Cemetery. Pallbearers include Chris Calton, Brad Calton, Parker Calton, Brian Wheeler, David Hill, and Will Bray. Honorary pallbearers include Dana Wheeler, Channing Wheeler, and Betty Gilmore. An online guestbook may be accessed at http://www.cutshallfuneralhome.com.
Dustin Corey Ray Smith
Dustin Corey Ray Smith, age 15, passed away on January 16, 2026, leaving behind a family and community forever changed by his loss. Though his time on earth was brief, his life was purposeful, and his spirit touched everyone who had the blessing of knowing him.
Dustin faced life with incredible strength and courage while living with cerebral palsy. His life was a testament to God’s presence, reminding us that even in hardship there is beauty, love and meaning. He inspired everyone around him.
Though he endured physical struggles, Dustin was never defined by them. Now healed and whole, he rest in the arms of Jesus. His now able to walk, talk and rejoice in eternal peace.
Dustin will be missed by his mom, twin brother, and three sisters. While we grieve his loss, we find comfort in knowing his soul lives on and that we will see him again.
Dustin is survived by his mom, Sandra Smith; father, Cody Smith; sisters, Kandace Barnes (Frankie), Hayley Damm (Isaiah) and Addison Smith; his twin brother, Braxton Smith; grandparents, Kristi Gates (Chris) and Sharon Knight; niece, Jennifer Barnes; nephew, Raidyn Barnes. He was preceded in death by his grandmother, Betty Jane Johnson; grandmother, Sharon Smith; uncles, Dustin Hollands and Rickey Crane. A memorial service will be set at a later date. Ludlam Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Dustin Corey Ray Smith. You may leave condolences online to the family at http://www.ludlamfuneralhome.com
PHILLIP WILLIAMS
BELMONT, MS – Phillip Wade Williams, 89, passed away Thursday, January 22, 2026 at The Meadows, Fulton, MS. He was born in Franklin County, AL to Arthur Williams and Ruvie Thorn Williams. He was a graduate of Florence State University, now UNA, with a degree in chemistry and was a veteran of the U.S. Marines. Phillip owned and operated Williams Pest Control & Insulation for over thirty years and was a member of Golden Central Baptist Church.
Funeral services will be held Friday, January 30, 1 p.m. at Deaton Funeral Home Chapel, Belmont, MS with Bro. Mickey Trammel officiating. Visitation will be Friday, 11-1 at Deaton Funeral Home. Burial will be in Davis Cemetery, Hodges, AL. Deaton Funeral Home, Belmont, MS will be in charge of arrangements.
He is survived by two children, Sabrina Prestage (Chip) and Andy Williams (Brandy) and their mother, Gail; three grandchildren, Chance Prestage (Kayla), Noel Orr (Ricky) and Brock Williams; great-grandchildren, Cayden, Zett and Kelli Prestage, Parks and Poppi Orr and two sisters, Gwen Smith and Pat Shifflett.
He was preceded in death by his parents, a brother, Tommy Williams and two sisters, Wanda Tarwater and Angeline Glover.
Pallbearers will be Chance Prestage, Brock Williams, Cayden Prestage, Marty Hall and Joey Hall. Honorary pallbearers will be Tony Williams, Don Tarwater, Randy Tarwater, David Tarwater, Tom Shifflett, Ty Shifflett, Zett Prestage, Don Hall, Tony Hall and John Henley.