Teresa Carol Umfress Dawson gracefully passed into the loving presence of her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on June 22, 2026. Born May 1, 1954, to Samuel Lamar and Ollie Mae Umfress, her life was defined by her faith in God and her love of Jesus.
Teresa was a loving wife, mother, sister, and grandmother who considered her family her greatest earthly treasure.
Teresa married Kim Dawson on December 29, 1973, and remained by his side, and he by hers, until her last breath. Their marriage was marked by a shared faith and an unwavering dedication to the Lord and to one another through every season of joy and sorrow. Their sons were raised in a home where a Godly marriage was modeled, and love was abundant. She considered her children and grandchildren her most beloved accomplishments and living proof that God answers prayer.
She spent 43 years providing care and compassion to those in need as a nurse and later passed on her knowledge and skill to the next generation as a nursing instructor at Blue Mountain College. Teresa had a heart for service that extended far beyond her profession. She dedicated her time and gifts to sharing her love of God through teaching and mentoring at Tishomingo Baptist Church and through her work at Baptist Memorial hospitals in Memphis, Booneville, and UNA. Her legacy lives on through the countless lives she touched during her time on Earth.
Teresa is survived by her devoted husband of 52 years, Kim Dawson; her sons and daughters-in-love Shane (Jenny) and Jarod (Beth); four granddaughters — Carrigan, Zoe, Hailey, and Rachel; siblings Sherrel Umfress (Cindy), Sandra Watkins (Frank), Sam Umfress (Janel), and Angie Langley (Paul); her mother-in-law, Ruth Dawson; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends whom she loved dearly.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Lamar and Ollie Umfress; her father-in-law, Chester Dawson; and beloved aunts, uncles, and grandparents.
Cutshall Funeral Home in Iuka, MS, is entrusted with the final arrangements. Visitation is scheduled from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. on Friday, June 26, 2026, at Tishomingo Baptist Church. Visitation will continue at the church on Saturday, June 27, 2026, from 12:00 noon until 2:00 p.m., with the service beginning at 2:00 p.m., officiated by Bro. Rusty Fair.
Pallbearers include Jon Wadkins, Harper Umfress, Billy Senn, Bryer Mayo, Gavin Crocker, Brad Nelms, Cody Langley, Harry Bowman, Tracy Holman, and Brandon Daniels.
Honorary pallbearers include Bobby Conway, Ron Coleman, Earl McAnally, David Fritts, Thomas Walker, and Ed Senn.
A private, family graveside service will take place in Bethlehem Cemetery.
An online guestbook may be accessed at www.cutshallfuneralhome.com.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital at http://www.stjude.org or by mail at 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.
The family wishes to thank the North Mississippi Medical Center Hospice team for their compassion and care, her church family for their faithful prayers and comfort, and the many friends and loved ones who surrounded this family with love through this difficult time. So many things can be said of a life well-lived that there isn’t enough paper on which to record them all. Teresa provided a legacy of humble service to God that will live on long past her time on this Earth. Those of us who remain rejoice in knowing we will meet her again in Glory, as promised in 1 Thessalonians 4:13–14: “We do not want you to be uninformed, brothers and sisters, concerning those who are asleep, so that you will not grieve like the rest, who have no hope. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, in the same way, through Jesus, God will bring with Him those who have fallen asleep.”
Dr. Phillip H. Gray, 73, of Iuka, Mississippi, passed away peacefully on June 23, 2026.
Born on September 21, 1952, Dr. Gray grew up in Tishomingo County and graduated from Belmont High School in 1970. He continued his education at Northeast Mississippi Community College, graduating in 1972, and furthered his studies at Mississippi State University, where he earned a degree in Chemistry in 1973. He went on to receive his Doctor of Optometry degree from the Southern College of Optometry in 1978.
Dr. Gray was a dedicated local optometrist who spent 42 years improving the vision and lives of residents across the Tishomingo County area. In 1978, he established his first optometry clinic in Iuka. Over the next four decades, he expanded his practice to serve patients in both Iuka and Belmont, providing essential, compassionate eye care to multiple generations of local families. He was joined in practice by his son, Dr. Adam Gray, in 2006, and later by his daughter, Dr. Emily Presson, in 2010. Having his children practice alongside him was one of his proudest accomplishments. His professional legacy continues to thrive through them today.
Outside of the exam room, Phillip was a devoted family man and a cherished husband. He was a faithful member of Iuka Baptist Church, where he held various leadership roles over the years. He especially loved his role as an usher and greeter on Sunday mornings, serving as a warm, smiling face to everyone who entered the church doors. He was a devoted fan of Mississippi State athletics and rarely missed a home football game. He also treasured time spent in the woods alongside his forestry friends. While he found joy in many things throughout his life, nothing brought him greater happiness than playing with his grandchildren. Dr. Gray leaves behind a large, loving family who will forever cherish his memory.
He is survived by his beloved wife of almost 53 years, Margaret Gray; his son, Dr. Adam Gray (Rebecca); his daughter, Dr. Emily Presson (Justin); and his five grandchildren: Mary Ellis Gray, Evelyn Gray, Hannah Presson, Lucas Presson, and Anne Presson. He is also survived by his brothers, Bill Gray (Janice) and Jeff Gray (Tina); his nieces and nephews: Jessica Gray, Brittany McGee, Joshua Gray, Makenzie Ballard, and Ryan Gray; alongside many loved extended family members.
He was preceded in death by his mother, Nell Pharr; his brother, Tim Gray; and his special friend, Hassell Bennett.
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 Friday, June 26, 2026, at Iuka Baptist Church. A celebration of Dr. Gray’s life and legacy will be held on Saturday, June 27, 2026, at 11:00 am at Iuka Baptist Church, officiated by Dr. Johnny Hancock.
An online guestbook may be accessed at http://www.cutshallfuneralhome.com.
Linda Ann Reid, 78, of Iuka, Mississippi, passed away Thursday, July 2, 2026, at Tishomingo Manor Nursing Home.
Linda was born on February 4, 1948, in Red Bay, AL, to Dorothy and William Zuber. She attended the University of North Alabama, began her career as a bank teller in 1973, and worked for Regions Banks for over 30 years.
Linda was a dedicated member of Bethlehem Baptist Church in Tishomingo for over 50 years, and throughout the years, she served as pianist, Church Treasurer, Cemetery Fund Treasurer, and Sunday school teacher. She loved being involved and especially enjoyed attending and participating in church singings throughout the county. Outside of church, she was also very involved in her community and was a member of the American Legion Auxiliary and the Order of the Eastern Star. Before her passing, Linda loved to travel with her husband, Sam, and loved caring for their beloved dog, Suzie.
Linda is survived by her brother, Charles Raymond Zuber (Kathleen) of Arlington, TN; her sister-in-law, Anne Zuber of Knoxville, TN; her nephew, Zachary Charles Zuber (Amber) of Arlington, TN; her great-niece and -nephews, Ethan, Georgia, and Quincy Zuber of Arlington, TN; and a host of other loved family members and friends.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Lemuel “Sam” Reid; her parents, Dorothy C. and William A. Zuber; her brother, James Zuber; and her grandparents, Mattie Lou James and Dwight M. Buchanan.
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 Friday, July 10, 2026, at Cutshall Funeral Home in Iuka. Visitation will continue at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, July 11, 2026, at Cutshall Funeral Home with the service starting at 2:00 p.m., officiated by Bro. John Bray and Bro. Doug Buchanan. Burial will be in Bethlehem Cemetery.
Pallbearers include Zachary Zuber, Ethan Zuber, Georgia Zuber, Randy Buchanan, Sam McCorkle, and Mike Winchester. Honorary pallbearers include Quincy Zuber. Memorials may be made in Linda’s honor to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital. An online guestbook may be accessed at http://www.cutshallfuneralhome.com.
Fred Wilson Gonce
Fred Wilson Gonce, 87 of Anderson, TX and formerly of Sevenson, Ala passed away Tuesday, June 23 at St. Joseph’s Regional Health Center in Bryan, TX. After battling multiple health issues for over 6 years, including soft tissue sarcoma which caused the loss of his right leg years ago. Fred had the best care possible at MD Anderson in Houston, TX, and the best orthopedic surgeon around (Dr. Valarie Lews).
Fred passed away peacefully with his wife, Charlotte, daughter, Tamra, pastor, Bro. Larry Andrews and close family friend, Cheri Biddle at the bedside. His son Brad could not get home from work in Midland-Odessa. He arrived a few hours later and was able to spend some time with his dad before his body was released.
Fred is survived by his wife of 66 years, Charlotte Ann Long Gonce, Anderson, Texas, (formerly of Iuka); daughter, Tamra Gonce Anderson, and the late Lance Anderson of Anderson, Texas; and son, Fred Bradley Gonce (Rachel) of Centerville, Texas; and 2 grandsons that he thought hung the moon, Jevin and Gehrig “G” Gonce of Centerville, Texas.
Fred was born December 28, 1938, at home in Stevenson, Ala, to Lowry Wilson and Ella Crownover Gonce.
Fred was raised on the family farm where he worked with his father and showed Yorkshire hogs and Hereford cattle. He worked hard every day on the farm hoping to inherit it someday. He was also an accomplished heavy equipment mechanic and could work on anything with a motor except his own personal vehicles (could we tell some good stories about that). He was a kind, quiet man who would help anyone in need. Fred worked at Avondale Textile Mill in Stevenson, then at Arch Coal Company on Sand Mountain before moving to Anderson, Texas in the early 80s to work at Navasota mining, a strip mine for coal. He worked there until the mine closed then moved to Ridgeway, South Carolina to work for Kennicot Mining, a gold mine. When that job finished he and Charlotte moved to Woodland Park, Colorado, where Fred worked in Cripple Creek, Colorado, at Angola Gold mine. This is where he retired and moved back to Texas where he lived until the time of his death with wife, Charlotte.
Fred married the love of his life, Charlotte Ann Long, on May 20, 1960. Soon after that in 1962, he was drafted into the United States Army to serve our great country, where he was stationed at Ft. Hood in Killeen, Texas. He was in the 2nd armored division Hell on wheels. On July 9, 1963, Fred and Charlotte were blessed with a baby girl named Tamra Layne, who was born on the army base. On July 31, 1969, Fred Bradley joined the family. While at Ft. Hood, he won the excellent marksmanship medal for his shooting ability. He was then deployed to Germany for a short time. He then left the army and returned home to help the family with the farm. He did join the local national guard on his return where he served another six years.
Fred took pride in anything he did in the service or at home. His motto was “if duct tape won’t fix it, it ain’t worth keeping.” Fred loved traveling with his family, especially cruising. He got to take the trip of his life a few years ago on an Alaskan Cruise. Something he wanted to do for a long time. He loved his English Bulldog, Do-Da. They were best friends. When at home they were inseparable. She stayed at his side 24-7 and watched over him, sometimes not even letting the nurses come near him.
Fred was a member of Carlos Missionary Baptist Church in Carlos, Texas where he has served as senior deacon for the last several years. Recently, he was honored for his years of service at the church. He was also a member of Bolivar Masonic Lodge #127, and a member of the Imperial Council of the Ancient Arabic Order of the Nobles of the Mystic Shrine.
He is preceded in death by his grandparents; his parents, Lowry Wilson and Ella C. Gonce; sister, Mary Nell Gonce King; son-in-law, Lance Anderson; and many aunts, uncles, and cousins.
The viewing was held on Tuesday, June 30, 2026, at Valley Funeral Home in Stevenson, Ala, and the funeral was on Wednesday, July 1, 2026. The service was officiated by Jerry and Blake Long of Corinth, Miss (formerly of Iuka, Miss).
Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Hillier Funeral Home in College Station, Texas and Valley Funeral Home in Stevenson, Ala.
In lieu of flowers the family asked donations to be made to the Gonce Church of Christ, 516 County Road 56, Stevenson, AL 35772, South Central Veterinary Clinic in Navasota, TX, Dr. John Walla’ at 1605 N. La Salle St, Navasota, TX 77868, or to “Who Rescued Who” Animal Rescue in care of Kristina Walsh, 1605 N. La Salle St, Navasota, TX 77868.
Our husband, father, and grandfather was a great man and will be greatly missed.
A nice remembrance talk was given by “Gehrig and Jevin Gonce, honoring their grandfather, Pops, who they will miss so much.
Angela Lee Long Reddix
Angela Lee Long Reddix, born September 7, 1981, in West Germany to George and Yusun Long. She was the oldest of two children and her life was marked by kindness and generosity.
After graduating from Tishomingo County High School in 1999, Angela earned an associate degree from NEMCC in 2001 and a bachelor’s degree from the University of Southern Mississippi in 2004. While at Usm, she joined the Eta Tau chapter of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc.
Angela followed her calling into education, beginning her teaching career in Carthage, Miss, from 2004 to 2006. She later taught at Northwest Rankin, where she taught Computer Applications and served as coach of the girls’ volleyball team. She loved helping students reach their full potential, both in and out of the classroom. She later transitioned into nursing, earning a degree from Hinds County Community College, and then worked at UMMC as a nurse from 2023 to 2026.
In 2018, Angela married Adian Reddix. Together, they had two children: Owen Reddix (daughter) and Nash Reddix (son).
Angela transitioned from this life on July 3, 2026. She was preceded in death by her sister Selina Long; her paternal grandparents, Calvin Long, Sr. and Eddie Mae Long; her maternal grandparents, Lee Ki Hong Pak; Yen Gu; and her uncle, John Long, Jr. Her memory remains a lasting gift to all who loved her.
She leaves to cherish her memory: her husband, Adrian Reddix, Brandon, MS; a daughter, Owen Reddix, Brandon, MS; a son, Nash Reddix, Brandon, MS; her parents, George and Yusun Long, Iuka, MS; Uncle Howard (Rose) Long, August, GA; Uncle Curtis (Teresa) Long, Iuka, MS; Aunt Faye Long, Cherokee, AL; Aunt Estella Long, Nashville, TN; Uncle Lee Jim Beack (Park Yunha), Seoul, ROK; Uncle Lee Jung Dyek Seoul, ROK; Aunt Lee Hen Hi, Seoul, ROK; and a host of cousins, nieces, and nephews.
Patricia Joan Johnson “Pat”, age 66 of Burnsville, MS passed away surrounded by her family on June 29, 2026, at Methodist Le Bonheur Germantown, TN.
Michael Lee Hardin, beloved husband, grandfather, great-grandfather, cousin, and friend, passed away peacefully on July 20, 2026, at Magnolia Regional Health Center. Born on July 23, 1944, in Mississippi, Michael led a rich and purposeful life filled with dedication to his family, love of the land, and service to his country.
Michael’s formative years in Mississippi instilled in him an enduring appreciation for nature and hard work. That early foundation would serve as a hallmark throughout his life, as he devoted himself to the well-being of his home and the pursuits that brought him joy. An avid bee keeper, Michael treasured his honey bees and took great pride in nurturing them, a hobby that became a source of both fulfillment and fascination. His days were often spent outdoors, riding or repairing tractors as both an enthusiast and a proud member of the Tri-State Fly Wheelers Antique Tractor Club. These communities of shared interest forged lasting friendships and allowed Michael to celebrate his love for vintage machinery.
Michael was also a steward of his homestead, committed to maintaining and beautifying his surroundings. He found deep satisfaction in ensuring his home always looked its best, a reflection of his attention to detail and his care for those around him. Travel was another passion, particularly throughout the West, where Michael found adventure, peace, and inspiration in the diverse landscapes and open roads.
A proud Vietnam Veteran and Air Force serviceman, Michael answered the call to serve his country with honor. His years in the military were a testament to his bravery and devotion, qualities that continued to define him in every chapter of his life.
Michael is mourned by his loving wife, Judy Ryan Hardin, who stood by his side through all of life’s journeys. He is remembered with affection by his grandchildren, Chase Hardin (Scarlet) and Madison Beech (Dylan), and by his great-grandchildren, Jake Fowler and Myles Beech, who brought him endless joy and pride. He is also survived by his cousins, Trena Sparks and Marcell Hunt. Michael’s memory is further honored by those who were touched by his kindness, camaraderie, and the gentle wisdom he shared so freely.
He is preceded in death by his beloved son, Shaunn Hardin; his parents, Granvel Lee and Mary Louise Hardin; an his grand-parents, Walter L. and Dona Estelle Hardin.
Family and friends will remember Michael as a man of quiet strength, tireless dedication, and unwavering integrity—a legacy that lives on in those who knew and loved him.
Cutshall Funeral Home in Iuka, MS, is entrusted with the arrangements. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. An online guestbook may be accessed at http://www.cutshallfuneralhome.com.