Lola Goss Branum, beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and cherished member of the Iuka community, passed away peacefully on April 27, 2026, in her hometown of Iuka, Mississippi, surrounded by her family.
Born on November 3, 1941, she lived a life that touched many with her warmth, kindness, and spirited love for family and life’s simple pleasures.
Lola’s life was deeply rooted in the community of Iuka, where she was born and where she spent her final days. She found joy in many little things that brought light to daily living—an avid reader who cherished the quiet comfort of a good book, a devoted fan of westerns and comedy shows that sparked laughter and nostalgia, and someone who delighted in heartfelt conversations shared over meals. One of her fondest culinary passions was hot sauce, especially drizzled generously over catfish, a flavor she enjoyed with enthusiasm and zest.
Family was at the very center of Lola’s world. She took immense pride in her loving family and treasured the visits that kept their bonds strong.
Lola is survived by her children: sons, Michael Pounders and Tammy, Roger Pounders and his wife, Mechelle, and daughter, Sheri Richardson. Her legacy lives on through her grandchildren, Ashley Largo and her husband, Oscar, Wayne Richardson, Shelaine Notario and Miguel, Tanner Pounders and his wife, London, Hunter Pounders and his wife, Bayleigh, and Hannah Curtis and her husband, Titus. She was also a joyful great-grandmother to sixteen great-grandchildren, each a testament to the enduring strength of her family’s love. Additionally, Lola is survived by her brother, James Goss and his wife, Nita, alongside a host of other family members and friends who hold her memory dear.
Lola was preceded in death by her beloved parents, Johnnie and Bernice Goss, and her siblings, Vita Ray Walls, JoAnn Faulkner, and Gwen Wright. Their memories remain entwined with hers, forming the foundation of a family heritage marked by love, resilience, and connection.
Throughout her life, Lola showed that true accomplishment is measured not by possessions but by the love we give and receive. She was proudest of her family and the moments they shared—gatherings filled with laughter, stories, and the comforting assurance of togetherness.
Cutshall Funeral Home in Iuka, MS is entrusted with the arrangements. Family, friends, and neighbors will gather to honor Lola’s life at New Life Church, located at 1360 Constitution Drive in Iuka, Mississippi. Visitation will be held on Saturday, May 9, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m., followed immediately by the funeral service at 2:00 p.m., officiated by her sons, Michael and Roger Pounders. Burial will follow in Mt. Gilead Cemetery.
Pallbearers will be Tanner Pounders, Hunter Pounders, Wayne Richardson, Oscar Largo, Michael Largo, and Titus Curtis. These moments will offer all who knew her a chance to remember and celebrate a life well-lived, marked by unwavering love and tender care.
Though she has passed from this world, Lola Branum’s spirit remains alive in the hearts she touched and the love she shared. She will be remembered for her gentle strength, her laughter, and the warmth she brought into every room. In her memory, may we find comfort and inspiration in the enduring power of family and friendship.
Martha Sue Dill, age 81, passed away on April 21, 2026. She was born on August 3, 1944, to Willard and Reba Wood Sue is survived by her loving son, Randy Dill (Kimberly); her sister, Linda Josenhans; her grandchildren, Leigh Ann Albert (Nicolas) and Laura McDuffy (Eli); and her five great-grandchildren, Finley, Eden, and Cullen McDuffy, and Vivian and Lucas Albert. She was preceded in death by her husband, R.L. Dill; her parents, Willard and Reba Wood; and her grandson, Bryson Dill.
Sue retired from the Mississippi State Extension Office, where she found great joy in working with 4-H and supporting young people in her community. She had a deep love for her family and took pride in staying involved in their lives and celebrating their accomplishments. She enjoyed cooking for her family, shopping, and trips to the beach. Above all, Sue’s life was centered around caring for those she loved. She made it a priority to check in daily, ensuring everyone was doing well, and was always ready to offer help. Sue will be remembered for her devotion, generosity, and the unwavering love she gave to her family. She will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her. A memorial service will be set at a later date. Ludlam Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Martha Sue Dill. You may leave online condolences to the family at http://www.ludlamfuneralhome.com
Donnie Edgar Lambert, Sr. 64, lovingly known as “Big D” and “Uncle D,” passed away at his home on May 8, 2026.
Born on July 9, 1961, in Chicago, IL Donnie lived a life marked by laughter, kindness, and deep love for those around him.
Donnie was a devoted husband to Debbie Hazel-Lambert and a proud Father to Donnie Edgar Lambert, Jr. (“Jay”) and Dylan Wayne Lambert. He was a cherished Grandfather to Joseph Dawson Lambert (Briana), and treasured the joy of being a Great-Grandfather to Journey Lambert, AJ Lear, and Kaden Lear. He also shared a special bond with his beloved dog, Lily, who was truly one of the family.
He is also survived by his Father, William Edgar Lambert; Sister, Debbie Lambert Johnson; Brother-N-Law Joe Hazel (Erin); nieces and nephews Robin Lindsey Page (Michael), Nick Lindsey, Will Lambert, Monique Esquivel (Dan), Nicole Hazel (Tyler), and Carolyn Siewert; along with many extended family members and friends who loved him dearly.
Donnie was preceded in death by his Mother, Betty Lambert; his Brother, Benji Lambert; his Granddaughter, Macy Lambert; his maternal grandparents, Will and Nora Barrett; and his paternal grandparents, Elmer and Victoria Lambert.
A man of Southern Baptist faith, Donnie found joy in life’s simple blessings. He loved raising Beagles, hunting, sitting on the front porch, and cheering on his favorite sports teams. Those who knew him best will forever remember his contagious laugh, his loving spirit, and the kindness he showed to everyone he met. More than anything, Donnie loved his family, and that love was felt deeply by all who had the privilege of knowing him. Though his presence will be greatly missed, the memories, laughter, and love Donnie shared will continue to live on in the hearts of all who loved him.
Cutshall Funeral Home in Iuka, MS, is entrusted with the arrangements. Visitation is scheduled from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. on Wednesday, May 13, 2026, at Cutshall Funeral Home. Funeral services will begin at 10 a.m. on Thursday, May 14, 2026, at Cutshall Funeral Home Chapel, officiated by Warren Jones, Michael Lambert, and Debbie Hazel-Lambert.
Pallbearers include Nick Lindsey, William Lambert, Joe Hazel, Hunter Thornburg, Dylan Lambert, and Joseph Lambert. Honorary pallbearers include Marvin Horne, Stevie Ortner, and Frankie Davis. Burial will be in Oak Grove Cemetery. Memorials may be made in Donnie’s honor to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. An online guestbook may be accessed at http://www.cutshallfuneralhome.com.
Chestein Lambert Obituary
Chestein Hester Lambert, age 87, of Iuka, MS went home to be with the Lord on Tuesday, May 19, 2026, at the Tishomingo Community Living Center. She was born on October 31, 1938, in Tishomingo County to Hollis and Tilda Hester. She was an outstanding basketball player and proud graduate of Holcut High School Class of 1958.
Following graduation, Chestein moved to Chicago, Illinois, where she worked assembling cars prior to relocating to Michigan. Living in Michigan for many years, she longed to return to her home state of Mississippi. Back home she found fulfillment working in the Iuka hospital cafeteria and later in the Tishomingo County school system cafeteria until her retirement.She enjoyed seeing the faces of the many students that came through the lunch line she served. In her free time, Chestein loved to dance at local establishments.
Chestein was a proud mother of five children, grandmother to ten, great-grandmother of seventeen, and great-great-grandmother to one. Family meant everything to her and she loved the large family gatherings they held.
She will be remembered throughout her community for her loving heart and willingness to help anyone in need. Chestein was a faithful member of Rocky Springs Methodist Church.
Chestein was preceded in death by her husbands, Clarence Ray Heavener and James Lee Lambert; her siblings, Junior M. Hester, Willa Dean Booker, and Linda Lue Hester; and her children, Anthony Heavener and Clarence Ray Heavener, Jr.
She is survived by her brother, Terry Hester of Iuka, MS; her sister, Peggy Wilson of Escondido, CA; her children, Clara Nowak of Algonac, MI, Lance Heavener, Sr. of Iuka, MS and John Heavener of Memphis, TN.
Her grandchildren include Amanda Heavener, Clara Ellsworth (Adam), Douglas Heavener, Lance Heavener, Jr. (Chloe), Cirena Heavener, Adam Duram, Jason Heavener, Jonica Heavener, Parker Heavener, Rick Nowak (Chantel), Mikey Nowak, and Stephanie Nowak, along with seventeen great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild.
Special thanks are extended to Magnolia Regional Health Center, Tishomingo Community Living Center, Steven Horn of Iuka, and Ludlam Funeral Home for their care and support.
Pallbearers will be Steven Horn, Douglas Heavener, Lance Heavener, Jr., Rick Nowak, Parker Heavener, and Jason Heavener.
Service Information
Location: Rocky Springs Methodist Church
Pastor: Jerry Bonds
Visitation: 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Service: 2:00 p.m. Graveside Service: Oak Grove Cemetery In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Rocky Spring Methodist Church
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Chestein Hester Lambert, please visit our floral store.
Lester Dexter Obituary
Lester Ray Dexter passed away on May 18, 2026, at the age of 77. He was born on January 13,1949 to the late Lester and Cumi Hester Dexter. Ray spent many years as a heavy equipment operator. His career also included roles as a security guard, a park ranger, and he worked for the Forestry Service. An outdoorsman, Ray had a love for hunting, fishing, and spending time in nature. In his spare time, Ray also enjoyed playing bingo. However, one of his greatest enjoyments was teaching and spending time with his grandchildren and great grandchildren. In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his grandparents Samual Waits Dexter & Ruth Perry Dexter and Thomas Benton Hester & Sally Francis Hester.
Ray is survived by his wife, Ella Dean Dexter, daughters, Shannon Dexter Lambert (Joe) and Tina Spencer; sons Leslie “Bubba” Dexter (Sarah), Jarred Spencer and Joe Spencer; grandchildren, Jeremey Gains, Kaitlyn Dexter, Carmen Dexter, Chandler Dexter, Brooke Dexter, Jared Spencer II, Kristy Spencer, Preston Spencer, Shamia Spencer, Carli Jo Spencer, and Brittany Spencer; 17 great grandchildren, brother, Robert Dexter (Kathy); and niece, Joscelyn Wilson.
Pallbearers include Jeremey Gaines, Carmen Dexter, Chandler Dexter Jared Spencer II, Preston Spencer, and Jason Hughes. Honorary Pallbearers include John Grady Spencer, Jimbo Lovelace, and Jessie Dexter.
Funeral Service honoring Ray will be 1pm on Thursday May 21,2026 at Ludlam Funeral Home Chapel with burial to follow at Campground Church Cemetery. Visitation will be on Wednesday, May 20,2026 from 5pm until 8pm at the funeral home. Ludlam Funeral Home has been entrusted with the arrangements
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Lester Ray Dexter, please visit our floral store.
Anthony “Tony” Vescio, 61 of Iuka passed away peacefully on May 22, 2026. He was born September 7, 1964 in Chicago, IL to the late Ralph and Alta Faye Parsons Vescio. Anthony is survived by his son, Christopher Vescio (Leanne); daughter, Lisa Marie Vescio; sister, Brenda Carr: nephew, Paul Carr; other relatives and a host of friends. He is preceded in death by his parents. There will be a memorial service held at a later date. Magnolia Funeral Home has been honored to serve the family of Mr. Anthony “Tony” Ralph Vescio.