Lando Lentz Jr.
Lando Lentz Jr., 83, Cherokee, passed away on Wednesday, January 28,2026. Visitation will be Monday, Feb. 2, 2026 from 12:00 – 1:00 p.m. at Morrison Funeral Home, Cherokee. The funeral service will immediately follow with Bro. Phillip Crowell officiating. Interment will be in Morris Hill Cemetery, Cherokee.
Lando loved hunting, fishing, boat riding, jeep riding and going to JJ’s to eat breakfast with his friends and retired from Cherokee Nitrogen in 2012. He is preceded in death by his parents, Lando Lentz Sr. and Bessie Maxwell Lentz; sisters, Barbara Jean and Minnie.
Lando is survived by his wife of 45 years, Janette Lentz of Cherokee, AL.; daughter, Dana Morgan (Jamy) of Iuka, MS; grandchildren, Cheyanne Morgan of Iuka, MS., Kellie-Brooke Morgan (Cooper) of Iuka, MS.; and sisters, Lib and Dot.
Pallbearers will be Garrick Kenney, Cooper Hopkins, Andrew Kenney, Jerry Ray Comer, Thomas Oats and Terry Gene Murphy. Honorary pallbearers are Johnny Willson and JJ’s friends.
Please visit morrisonfuneralhomes.com to leave condolences for the family.
RUBY MAE SOUTHWARD
TISHOMINGO, MS – Ruby Mae Southward, 97, passed away Thursday, January 22, 2026 at her residence. She was born in Mississippi to Christo Anderson and Bertha Burgess Anderson. She was a homemaker and a member of Carter’s Branch Church of Christ.
Funeral services will be Saturday, January 31, 3 p.m. at Deaton Funeral Home Chapel, Belmont, MS with John Malone, Sr. officiating. Visitation will be Friday, January 30, 5-8 p.m. at Deaton Funeral Home, Belmont, MS. Burial will be in Burgess-Southward Cemetery, Tishomingo, MS. Deaton Funeral Home, Belmont, MS will be in charge of arrangements.
She is survived by her daughters, Gail Southward, Margie Butler and Marveline Ivy (James); twenty-two grandchildren, Savanna Wise (Barney), Tammi Johnson, Katrina Pire, Latasha Gandy (Steven), Tony Johnson (Cherri), Renard Southward (Sabrina), Rodney Johnson, Felecia Crump (Vincent), James Southward, Jamie Allen, Chris Southward (Kasey), Angelia Allen, Anthony Southward (Arlene), Charnell McQueen (Deangelo), Tyrone Southward (Tondalaya), Leshia Ivy (Derrick), Tony Ivy, Derrick Ivy, Marisa Conley, Leon Butler, Marcus Butler and Talmadge Butler; forty-eight great-grandchildren; twenty-eight great-great-grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews and cousins.
She was preceded in death by her husband, James Marvin “Jim” Southward; children, Marvin “Tootie” Southward, Jr., Jimi Dale Johnson, James Dwight Southward and Bonnie Southward; four grandchildren; her parents; six brothers and two sisters.
Pallbearers will be Barney Wise, Terrance Gandy, Rodney Johnson, Tony Johnson, Renard Southward, Jaylon Powell and Antwon Powell. Honorary pallbearers will be Horace Alexander, Jr., James Ivy and Jerome Johnson
Special thanks to her daughters-in-law, Patricia Southward and Rea Southward; special friend, Stephanie Simkin; special son, Horace Alexander, Jr.; nieces, Schantell Anderson and Bettie Thomas; special cousins, Teresa Cannon and Earl Anderson and special daughter, Avy Long.
The family extends thanks to Gentiva Hospice of Booneville; special CNAs, Sarah and Angel, nurses, Heather and Jessica, Dr. Putnam, Dr. Greenhaw and Dr. Dennis.
Fredrick Marlar
Fredrick Marlar, a retired carpenter, was born on May 23, 1942, in Farner, Tennessee. He passed away at his residence in Glen, MS, on January 29, 2026. Fredrick led a life dedicated to his craft as a carpenter and his family, leaving behind cherished memories for those who knew him.
He is survived by his daughter, Mari Carla Mullins, and his son, Frederick Jason Marlar. Fredrick also took great pride in his grandchildren: Blake Mascolo (Matt), Shelby Killough (Justin), Zach Marlar (Mikayla), and Sheridan Marlar. His great-grandchildren, Lillie Killough, Harrison Marlar, Delta Grace Killough, and Cason Killough, were a source of joy in his later years.
Fredrick is preceded in death by his father, Paul Marlar; his mother, Mary Ethel Marlar; his wife, Janet Marlar; and his siblings, sisters Dot Northcutt, Vernell Marlar, and Polly Marlar, and brother Eddie Marlar.
Cutshall Funeral Home in Iuka, MS is entrusted with the arrangements. A visitation will be held on Saturday, February 7, 2026, from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM at Cutshall Funeral Home in Iuka, MS. This gathering serves as a time for family and friends to come together to honor and remember Fredrick’s life. Burial will follow in Burnsville Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Jason Marlar, Zach Marlar, Matt Mascolo, and and Justin Killough. An online guestbook may be accessed at http://www.cutshallfuneralhome.com.
Catherine Gentle
Catherine Gentle, a beloved soul who never met a stranger, passed away peacefully in her hometown of Iuka, Mississippi, on February 8, 2026, at the age of 87. Born on May 25, 1938, she embraced life with a warm heart that touched the many lives she encountered.
Catherine’s love for music was a defining part of her existence. A gifted pianist, she not only played in several gospel groups but also lit up church gatherings, sharing her talent and passion. Her joy was palpable when seated at the piano, and her spirit resonated through every note she played. She found immense happiness in caring for her beloved cat, Calico, who was her faithful companion.
As a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, Catherine took immense pride in her family. Her son, Felix DeWayne Gentle, and his partner, Rodney Carpenter, along with her daughter, Wanda Durham, and her husband, David, were sources of great joy in her life. Catherine cherished the moments spent with her granddaughters, Kayla Upton, and her spouse, Shane, and Leah Green, and her spouse, Jake, as well as her grandsons, Josh and Joseph Gillis. The love she had for her great-grandchildren—Kaylon, Logan, MaKella, Autumn, Layla, and Savannah—brought her immeasurable happiness and fulfillment, embodying her greatest accomplishments in life.
Catherine’s journey, however, was marked by the loss of loved ones. She was predeceased by her devoted husband, Joyce Lee Gentle, and her daughter, Shelia Gillis and son-in-law, Charles Gillis, whose memories remained a cherished part of her heart. She also mourned the passing of her parents, Pete and Emma Wadkins, and her siblings: Woodrow, Clinton, Milford, Hershel, Donald, Talford, and Larry Wadkins, as well as Celeste Tucker, Beatrice Harrell, Lena Mae Magarci, Faye Martin, and Nona Jean Rich.
Catherine’s legacy of kindness and warmth will live on through her family and friends, who will remember her laughter and passion for life. Cutshall Funeral Home in Iuka, MS is entrusted with the arrangements. A visitation will be held at Cutshall Funeral Home in Iuka on Tuesday, February 10, 2026, from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM, followed by a funeral service on Wednesday, February 11, 2026, at 1:00 PM, also at Cutshall Funeral Home, officiated by Bro. Bobby Ivy. Catherine will find her final resting place at Tishomingo Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Dale Williams, Dwight Wadkins, Randy Thompson, Shane Upton, Logan Upton, and Rodney Carpenter.
As we gather to celebrate the life of Catherine Gentle, we honor a remarkable woman who brought joy to all she encountered and showed us the beauty of connection and love. An online guestbook may be accessed at http://www.cutshallfuneralhome.com.
Deaner Leatherwood Rainey King
Deaner Leatherwood Rainey King, passed from this world on Thursday, February 4, 2026, at the age of 97. She was born May 14, 1928, in Alcorn County to Jessie Edward and Lillie Dora Leatherwood. A service to celebrate her life will be Sunday, February 8, 2026, at 3:00 PM at Strickland Church of Christ in Corinth, MS with interment in Oak Hill Cemetery. Bro. Brad Dillingham will officiate the service, with an obituary by Lance Foster. Visitation will be from 1:00 PM until service time at Strickland Church of Christ in Corinth, MS.
Deaner Leatherwood Rainey King was quiet, humble, and deeply dedicated to her family. Not one to seek attention, yet her presence was always felt. She was known for her tender heart, having a strong faith, and a way of loving that didn’t need many words.
If you knew her, you knew her food. Her cooking was made from scratch, thoughtful, and generous, just like her. But what she offered was never just food. Cooking tells a story. It carries tradition, memory, and meaning. It was how she nurtured and gathered people together. Around her table, relationships were tended to, laughter found space, and family felt rooted. Each meal held more than ingredients—it held her heart.
She poured herself into what she made. Seasonings mixed with a lifetime of care. Recipes shaped by years of practice, patience, and love. And those meals did what the best meals do, they made people want to come back. Not just for the food, but for the feeling of being welcomed, known, and cared for.
Deaner Leatherwood Rainey King is preceded in death by her first husband of 25 years, Colburn Arlon Rainey; her second husband of 25 years, Carroll King; parents, Jessie Edward and Lillie Dora Leatherwood; step-son, David King; grandchildren, Michael Rainey and Stacy Rainey; and brother, Azel Leatherwood.
She leaves behind two sons; Charles Rainey (Linda) and Billy Rainey (Theresa); step-daughter, Karen Vanek (Vince); 10 grandchildren; Doug Rainey, Ryan Rainey (Lanea), Jon Rainey (Michelle), Ferrin Rainey-Calvert (Keith), Carlynn Rainey-Crawford (Jeff), Wendy King, John David King (Tara), Gracie Vanek, Dawn Laster (Brad) and Matt Dexter; 22 great-grandchildren, MacKenzie Rainey, Isaac Miller, Kayle Miller, Tristen Speight, Emma Rainey, Anthony Rainey, Lily Rainey, Adam Rainey, Abi Rainey, Isabella Rainey, Olivia Rainey, Amelia Rainey, Wes Calvert, Madi Calvert, Tayler King, Tyler King, Reese King, Cole Crawford, Cami Crawford, Tyler Smith (Jenna), Taylor LaFever (Hunter) and Brodie Dexter (Carly); 8 great-great grandchildren; brother, Almous Leatherwood (Nadine); and special adopted daughters, Lisa Gant Houry, Gwyn Davis, and Cathy Bennett.
Deaner Leatherwood Rainey King gave so much of herself, and she did it with grace. We are better because of her. And we will continue to feel her love every time we gather, every time we cook, every time we choose to nurture others the way she did so beautifully.
Russell Brewer
Funeral services for Russell Brewer, 81, of Tishomingo County, Mississippi, are set for Tuesday, February 10, 2026 at 2pm at Magnolia Funeral Home- East Chapel with burial at Antioch Freewill Baptist Church Cemetery. Visitation will be Tuesday, February 10, 2026 from 12pm-2pm at Magnolia Funeral Home – East Chapel. Greg Woodruff will officiate the service. Honorary pallbearers will be Jason Taylor, Donald Voyles, James McMillian, Larry Carlisle and Ricky Cole. Mr. Brewer passed away peacefully at North Mississippi Medical Center in Tupelo, Mississippi, surrounded by his family. He leaves behind a legacy of hard work, integrity, and deep love for his family. Born on April 15, 1944, Russell was a man of Christian faith who was a born again Christian.
Russell spent the majority of his life working. In the 1960s, Russell and Jennie moved to Chicago to make a living. They were both very hard workers and sent their weekly earnings home to Mississippi to have their house built. They remained in Chicago until their house was completed and paid for in full before returning home. After returning home from Chicago, Russell became an over the road truck driver for many years. He later went on to work for more than 20 years with Consolidated Freightways in Memphis, Tennessee, where he commuted a 200 mile round trip daily. He was a member of The International Brotherhood of Teamsters – Local Union No. 667. He took pride in his work and believed in earning an honest living through hard work. He always did things the right way, even when no one was watching. He was the true definition of a man with integrity that was committed to providing for his family.
Russell enjoyed the simple pleasures of life. He loved hunting and fishing and was an avid fan of NASCAR. He also enjoyed dirt track racing and drag racing his Chevrolet S-10, but after retirement his favorite thing to do was sit on the couch watching NASCAR, a western, or the news. There was not a western on DirecTV that he had not seen. Another thing he thoroughly enjoyed was speaking his mind, even when it was not the most necessary thing to say. Honesty was one of his greatest traits.
His grandchildren were truly his world, and he loved spending time with them. He supported St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, a cause that reflected his compassion for children and families.
Russell shared more than 50 years of marriage with his lifelong partner, Jennie Brewer. He was a father, grandfather, and great grandfather, and his family truly meant everything to him.
Russell is survived by Jennie Brewer; his daughters, Dee Anna Gray and Jennifer Voyles (Jason Taylor); his grandchildren, Hannah Garner (Ben), Chloe, Lillie, and Mollie Voyles, Ricky and Randy Gray, and Rica Goodwin (Lance); and his great grandchildren, Avery, Will, Marleigh, Calli, and Briley Garner; numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and a host of friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Albert Olen and Cora Bea Brewer; his brothers, Albert Earl “Jimmy”, Johnny Lane “Ringo” Brewer, and Travis Wayne Brewer; his sister, Bobbie Jean Wilson; his infant twin sisters, Estelle and Moselle Brewer; two nephews, Jonathan Brewer and Scotty Lambert; a niece, Debbie Linton.
Russell will be remembered as a hardworking man with unwavering dedication to his family. His legacy will live on through the generations he helped shape and the many lives he touched.
Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Magnolia Funeral Home has been honored to serve the family of Mr. Russell Brewer.
Stephen Alan Campbell Obituary
Stephen Alan Campbell, 83, passed away peacefully on January 21, 2026. He was a man who valued hard work, excellence and always doing it right if you were going to do it all. He loved his people, even if he didn’t say it often. He was a force who instilled integrity and drive in his children. He was loved.
Steve was born on June 30th, 1942, in Media, PA. His family later moved to Atlantic Beach, FL, where he attended Duncan U. Fletcher high school and then Admiral Farragut Academy. After high school, Steve moved to Portland, OR, where he worked aboard a seismic survey ship as a deck hand and junior observer. He then went on to Ocala Community College before transferring to Oklahoma State University where he met the love of his life, Melissa (Lisa) Campbell. After marriage, the pair went to Florida State University where Steve finished his degree, and the couple welcomed their son in May 1967.
Five days after graduation, Steve was drafted in to the army and was the only one of 18 to pass the test to enter the Navy. He was sent to the Pensacola Naval Base. Achieving his wings was the “most important day of his life.” He became a flight instructor in Meridian, MS, before being sent to Lemoore, CA, to fly the newly added A7E. From Meridian, Steve was assigned to VA27 on the carrier Ranger, which was supposed to be in the yard for two years. However, in order to deploy early, Steve transferred to VA22, the Fighting Redcocks, where he was quickly assigned to the Coral Sea from 1969-1971. Aboard the Coral Sea, he successfully flew his missions, ultimately receiving several medals, most notably including the Distinguished Flying Cross.
After Steve’s time in the Navy, he attended the DA20 Falcon School to receive a type rating to fly the Falcon Jet for Federal Express. After training and while waiting for his call for official employment by Fed Ex, he moved to Houston where he managed a seismic ship for Western Geophysical. In April of 1973, the same month and year his daughter was born, Steve was called to train in the DA20 at Fed Ex in Little Rock, AR. He served Fed Ex for 30 years in many capacities – flight manager; assistant chief pilot of the Falcon; captain of the 727 and DC1O; and author of the crew member’s handbook’s Training and Compensation chapters.
Steve and Lisa raised their family in Germantown, TN, where they were members of Ridgeway Country Club for over 40 years. Steve was an avid golfer and could be found on the greens with his friends when not flying. Steve was also an amateur architect who successfully drafted the beautiful lake house where he and Lisa retired, and where the family hosted epic Campbell Family Pig Roasts for 200 plus of their closest friends. A man of action, it’s hard to put into one obituary his many accomplishments, but his
Benjamin Franklin Burns III
Benjamin Franklin Burns III, known to many as Ben, was born on July 31, 1959, in Florence, Alabama. He passed away on February 12, 2026, at Sanctuary Hospice House in Tupelo, Mississippi. Ben was the owner of Rushing Drugs, Burnsville Discount Drugs, and Tupelo Family Pharmacy. He truly loved serving his customers and community and did so faithfully for many years. A 1977 graduate of Iuka High School, Ben followed in the footsteps of his father, Frank, and pursued a career in pharmacy. He proudly graduated from the University of Mississippi School of Pharmacy in 1994 and later became the pharmacist at Rushing Drugs.
Ben was deeply involved in his community. He was a member of Oakland Baptist Church and The Vaught Society at Ole Miss. A devoted Ole Miss Rebel fan, he especially enjoyed attending football games at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium. In years past, he loved tailgating in Oxford in his RV with his Rebel family. For several seasons, Ben served as the driver of the Rebel Road Trip, traveling throughout the southern states with Ole Miss coaches and faculty.
Ben had many hobbies, including aviation, and earned his pilot’s license. One of his proudest accomplishments was serving as a leader and developer with the Tri-State Cross for Christ in Iuka, where he played a vital role in bringing the vision to life. Ben had a deep love for the Iuka community and the people who called it home.
Ben is survived by his wife of 20 years, Selena Burns, and his children, Evan Burns, Benjamin Burns, Konner Davis, and Kaylee Bobo (Weston). His most greatest joy was being a grandfather to Sofia Collins Bobo, Eden Burns, and Adalisa Burns. Ben is also survived by his sister, Rebecca Thomas (Butch); his nephews, Jaco Thomas and Clay Thomas (Kloe); and his cousin, Carter Haines (Jackie). He was preceded in death by his parents, Benjamin Franklin “Frank” Burns Jr. and Bobbye Sue Carter Burns.
Cutshall Funeral Home of Iuka, Mississippi, is entrusted with the arrangements. Family and friends are invited to pay their respects during visitation at Iuka Baptist Church, located at 105 W. Eastport Street, Iuka, Mississippi. Visitation will be held on Sunday, February 15, 2026, from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM, and will continue on Monday, February 16, 2026, from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM. The funeral service will follow at 2:00 PM on Monday, officiated by Dr. Randy Bostick and Bro. Sheldon Lambert. Burial will take place at Oak Grove Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Richie West, Ben Albarracin, Jon Terauchi, Chris Garner, Frank Brinkley, and Gary Williams. Honorary pallbearers include Dr. Richard Arriola, Keith Carter, Dr. Jim Perkins, Jeff Hollis, and Carter Haines.
Ben was a beloved member of his community and will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him. The family would like to thank the staff of Sanctuary Hospice House in Tupelo for the care and love shown to Ben. Donations in Ben’s honor can be made to Sanctuary Hospice House at https://sanctuaryhospicehouse.harnessgiving.org/donate. An online guest book may be accessed at http://www.cutshallfuneralhome.com.
Roe Arnold
Roe Arnold, affectionately known as “Decoy,” passed away on February 13, 2026, in his hometown of Iuka, Mississippi. Born on October 12, 1962, Roe was a beloved member of his community and a dedicated boilermaker for over 20 years. He graduated from Iuka High School and pursued further education at Northeast Mississippi Junior College, where he earned a degree in welding.
Roe was known for his warm personality; he never met a stranger and could carry on a conversation with anyone he encountered. He enjoyed a variety of hobbies, including riding motorcycles, reading books, fishing, hunting, camping, singing karaoke, and woodworking. His passions made him a vibrant figure among family and friends.
Roe is survived by his daughter, Kristina Brown (Derek); his father, Carl Arnold (Christianne); his sister, Roberta White (Perry); his brother, Wendel Arnold; and the mother of his daughter, Donna Arnold. He was preceded in death by his mother, Mary Ann Arnold; his sister, Lou Arnold; and his grandparents, Charlie and Ida Brown and James Carl and Addie Arnold. Roe was also survived by his constant companion, Bobby Boucher.
Cutshall Funeral Home in Iuka, Mississippi is entrusted with the arrangements. A visitation will be held on Thursday, February 19, 2026, from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM, followed by a funeral service from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM, at Eastport Baptist Church, located at 669 Co Rd 956, Iuka, MS 38852, and officiated by Bro. Jackie Pittman and Bro. Roger Pounders. After the service, Roe will be laid to rest at Eastport Cemetery.
Roe Arnold’s spirit and contributions to his family and community will be fondly remembered by all who knew him. Donations may be made to the Shriner’s in Roe’s honor.
Walter G. Vaughn (“Peacock”)
Walter G. Vaughn, lovingly known as “Peacock,” was born January 8, 1953, in Bolivar, Tennessee. He never met a stranger and never left a room without everyone knowing him. His warmth, humor, and gift for storytelling made him unforgettable. He dearly loved his two fur babies, Buddy (“Little Rascal” to him) and Katie-Kate. He enjoyed golfing at Iuka Country Club and was a proud Gold Star father who deeply cherished his annual trip to the Illinois Motorcycle Freedom Run, honoring his late son, Sgt. Jason Vaughn, who gave his life in service during Operation Iraqi Freedom.
He is survived by his beloved Nancy Baily; his children, Karisha (Dan) Devlin and Logan(Tiffany) Vaughn; and his cherished grandchildren, Ellis Vaughn, Eli Vaughn, Jason Devlin, and Katherine Devlin.
He is also survived by his sister, Alisa (Terry) Parsons (“Sissy” to Walter); step-sister Linda (Charles) Carson; one uncle, Jim Goss; nephew Justin (Megan) Parsons; niece Brigitte (Kris) Lange; step-niece Stacy (Scott) Sitton, step-nephew Chris Carson; and six great-nieces and great-nephews: Tennyson, Eliot, and Whitman Lange, and Vera Kate, Vivie, and Jase Parsons.
He was preceded in death by his son, Sgt. Jason Walter Vaughn; his father, Roy Vaughan; his stepfather, Milford Moore; and his mother, Vernell Moore.
Walter’s love, laughter, and vibrant spirit will be deeply missed by all who knew him.
A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date at his church home, The Bridge at Burnsville. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made to the Wounded Warrior Project in his honor.
Bette Dean Welch
Bette Dean Welch, 87, passed away peacefully at her home on Saturday, February 14, 2026. Bette was born to Alfred and Clara Dean on August 6, 1938, in Iuka. She was a member of Trinity Baptist Church. Bette is survived by her son, Mike Welch (Edwina); and her granddaughter, ReAnna Barnes (Jeromy). She was preceded in death by her husband, Charles Welch; her parents, Alfred and Clara Dean; and her brother, Jerry Dean. Cutshall Funeral Home in Iuka, Mississippi, is entrusted with the arrangements. The family will be holding a private memorial service. An online guestbook may be accessed at http://www.cutshallfuneralhome.com.
Lee Shields
Funeral Services Celebrating the Life of Clayton Lee Shields will be held 2pm Thursday, February 19, 2026, at Iuka First United Pentecostal Church with Bro. William Lambert officiating. Visitation will be held from 5pm until 9pm on Wednesday and Thursday 12pm until service time at the church. Burial will follow at Mt. Evergreen Cemetery.
Lee passed away on February 15, 2026, at his residence. He was born on March 27,1981 to the late Jerry and Elois Hodum Shields. He was a member of Iuka First United Pentecostal Church and a graduate of Tishomingo County High School. Driven by his passion for helping others, he furthered his education at Northeast Mississippi Community College, where he graduated from both paramedic school and nursing school. Alongside his education, Lee was proud to be a MS Certified Firefighter. His commitment to service was evident in his roles as a paramedic at Magnolia Regional Health Center and as a firefighter at Iuka Fire Department. An outdoorsman, he found joy in tending to his yard and spending time in nature Above all he enjoyed spending time with his family.
In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his stepmother, Betty Shields, cousin, Brandon Grissom and sister-in-law Dejay Shields.
Lee is survived by his brother, Michael Shields; nephews, Curtis Shields (Marsha) and Matthew Shields (Kaitlyn); great niece, Abbie Gail Shields; great nephew, Braxton Shields; His Sanders Valley Family and a host of other family and friends.
Pallbearers include, Curtis Shields, Matthews Shields, Reily Grissom, Connor Grissom, Dakota Hale, Caleb Melton, Cody Melton, and Reuben Grissom.
Online condolences may be left at www.memorialcorinth.com
Memorial Funeral Home is entrusted with the arrangements.
Nelson Johnson
Nelson Johnson, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, passed away on February 24, 2026, at the age of 86 in his hometown of Iuka, Mississippi. Born on September 15, 1939, Nelson was known for his warm heart and generous spirit, always ready to lend a hand to anyone in need.
Nelson was the proud owner of Johnson Custom Building, where he dedicated countless hours to his craft. Outside of work, he found joy in simple pleasures. He loved riding his trike to Mineral Springs Park, picking up garbage along the side of the roads, and engaging in conversations with people he met along the way. He was a true friend to many and never met a stranger.
He leaves behind his cherished wife, Bessie Venita Johnson. Their union brought forth four children: Angela Lynn Colwell (Kenny) of Fox, AR, Timothy Nelson Johnson of Amory, MS, Steven Wayne Johnson of Iuka, MS, and Jimmy Ray Johnson (Teresa) of Amory, MS. Nelson’s legacy continues through his grandchildren, who are a source of pride for him: Christy Wilkerson of Memphis, TN, Megan Smith (Brady) of Greenville, MS, Mallory Nash of Wala Wala, WA, Lindsey Best (TJ) of Amory, MS, Sonya Clark (Jeromy) of Amory, MS, Russell Lawrence Johnson of Amory, MS, Kirsten Johnson of Saltillo, MS, Timothy Elijah Johnson of Dorsey, MS, and John Preston Johnson of Amory, MS. He also had the joy of being a great-grandfather to eight great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild.
Nelson is survived by his brother, Danny Johnson (Patsy) of Paragould, AR, and his sisters, Barbara Burgess of Monette, AR and Shelia Wideman (Bill) of Baton Rouge, LA. He was preceded in death by his parents, Lawrence Everett and Frances Johnson, and a grandson, John Eric Johnson.
Cutshall Funeral Home in Iuka, MS is entrusted with the arrangements. Visitation for Nelson will be held on Saturday, February 28, 2026, from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM at Cross Point Church in Iuka. The funeral service will follow at 1:00 PM, officiated by Bro. Raymond Osbourn and Ed Garcia. After the service, he will be laid to rest at Hubbard-Salem Cemetery in Iuka. Pallbearers will be Elijah Johnson, Preston Johnson, Russ Johnson, Samuel Osborn, Ramsey Best, Jeromy Clark, and Brady Smith.
Nelson Johnson’s life was defined by his family, his passion for work, and his unwavering kindness to all he met. His memory will live on in the hearts of those he touched.