McNairy County Obituary Index file name mcn-obit35.txt Submitted by: Barbara - crazylady@gci.net USE YOUR BROWSER BACK BUTTON TO RETURN ---------------------------------------------------------- In keeping with the USGenWeb Policy. These files are placed here for the purpose of research only They are not to be copied or sold without the written consent of the contributor. This page and the obituary pages this index references are placed on line by: Mary Hudson mahud@fidnet.com ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: "Barbara Mook" Appeared in the Independent Appeal Newspaper, Wed., Sept. 18, 2002 HERBERT LEE LOCKE, 71, died Sept. 11, 2002 at Methodist LeBonheur-McNairy Hospital. Mr. Locke was a real estate broker. He was preceded in death by his father, Erbie Locke. He is survived by his mother, Birdie Melton Locke of Ramer; his wife, Dorothy Locke; a daughter, Brenda Locke of Ramer; a son, Anthony Locke of Franklin; a sister, Grace Collins of Ramer; and two brothers, Erbie Lock, Jr. and Dale Locke, both of Ramer. He had two grandchildren. Services were held at 4 p.m. on Fri., Sept. 13 at Shackelford Funeral Directors of Selmer, with Minister Malcom George officiating. Burial followed at Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, VA. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Heart Association. .............. EDNA CARLENE RUSSOM of Selmer, 62, died Sept. 4, 2002 at Jackson-Madison County General Hospital. Mrs. Russom was an employee of General Electric Co. She was preceded in death by her parents, Cecil and Maxine Moore Sisk. She is survived by a son, James Michael Russom of Selmer. Services were held at 1 p.m. on Thurs., Sept. 19 at Shackelford Funeral Home Chapel, with Minister Blake Carroll officiating. Burial will followed at Mars Hill Cemetery in Adamsville. ........... MARY HANNON BURNS of Detroit, MI, 73, died in Detroit on Sept. 6, 2002. She was preceded in death by her husband, James Burns. She is survived by a daughter, Deloris Burns Griffin and husband Don; a sister, Ora Gardner of Corinth, MS; and a brother, James Hannon and wife Latrice of Corinth, MS. Graveside services were held at 2 p.m. on Fri., Sept. 13 at St. Rest Cemetery, with Bro. David Morton officiating. Patterson Memorial Chapel was in charge of arrangements. Appeared in the Independent Appeal Newspaper, Wed., Sept. 25, 2002 LILLIAN MOORE of Selmer, 86, died Sept. 19, 2002 at Tri-County Convalescent Home. Mrs. Moore was a retired technician at Western Mental Health Center in Bolivar. She was a former volunteer with the Women's Crisis Center and was involved with the American Cancer Society. She enjoyed painting and gardening as hobbies. She was preceded in death by her parents, Charlie Hubert Henry and Flora Henry. She is survived by a daughter, Geneva Haluzak of Mohment, IL; two sons, Charles Abbott of Orlando, FL and Arlie Abbott of Selmer; four sisters, Ivalee Kubica of Jackson, Barbara Michael of Peoria, IL, Annette Smith of Selmer, and Donna Long of Ramer; and three brothers, Kellen Henry and Gordon Henry, both of Bethel Springs, and Fred Henry of Kansas City, KA. She had six grandchildren and two gr-grandchildren. Services were held at 1:30 p.m. on Sun., Sept. 22 at Shackelford Funeral Directors of Selmer. Burial followed at Liberty Cemetery in Bethel Springs. ................... HELEN GAYE KEEN SWEAT of Adamsville, 82, died Sept. 22, 2002 at her residence. Mrs. Sweat was a garment worker. She was Baptist in faith. She was preceded in death by her parents, Robert Lee and Alpha Mae Tacker Keen; her husband, Gibb Sweat (died Feb. 4, 1984); and two sons, Jerry Weldon Sweat and Junior Ray Sweat. She is survived by five sons, Jerome Sweat, Larry (Frog) Sweat, and Lucky Joe Sweat, all of Adamsville, Steve Sweat of Stantonville, and Terry (Bug) Sweat of Rogersville, AL; four daughters, Joyce Burks, Faye Jaggers, and Judy Mitchell, all of Adamsville, and Brenda Hawkins of Tuscumbia, AL; and two sisters, Wanda Brooks of North Carolina and Edna McCormick of Adamsville. She had eighteen grandchildren and eleven gr-grandchildren. Services were held at 2 p.m. on Tues., Sept. 24 at Shackelford Chapel in Adamsville, with Minister Jody McKewen officiating. Burial followed at Adamsville Cemetery in Adamsville. .................. BEULAH E. WAGONER of Adamsville, 92, died on Mon., Sept. 16, 2002 at Methodist LeBonheur McNairy Hospital in Selmer. Mrs. Wagoner was a homemaker. She was a member of Mars Hill Church of Christ. She was preceded in death by her parents, Hubert and Caroline Barnes Barham; and two husbands, Elmo Clayton and Jack Wagoner. She is survived by a brother, Ernest Barham and wife Demetra of Adamsville; two nieces, Dianne Murray and husband Gary and Nina Pearl Copeland and husband Leonard, all of Adamsville; a nephew, Edward Learue and wife Peggy of Adamsville; and a gr-nephew, Jonathan Murray. Services were held at 1 p.m. on Wed., Sept. 18 at Shackelford Chapel in Adamsville, with Minister Eddie Walker officiating. Burial followed at Mars Hill Cemetery in Adamsville. ........ JUNELL BISHOP LOTT of Finger, 79, died Sept. 19, 2002 at Jackson General Hospital. She was born in Chester County, Montezuma Community, the daughter of the late James Wilson and Lula Clifford Bishop. She attended Chester County Schools and began working at Salant & Salant Mfg. as a young lady. She was married to James "Jimmy" Lott on Dec. 25, 1943. They lived for the past 46 years in Finger. Mrs. Lott also worked at Brown Shoe Company and Kopin Industries in Adamsville, where she was a Union Steward. She had been involved with her husband and family in the trucking business, Lott Transport, as a bookkeeper. She was a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Ladies Auxiliary. She was a member of Finger United Methodist Church. She was preceded in death by a brother, James "Jabo" Bishop in 2000 and a sister, Martha Parker in 1989. She is survived by her husband, James Lott of Finger; a son, Tony Lott and wife Lawanna of Finger; and a daughter, Emily Clayton and husband Tim of Finger. She had two grandchildren, Nylee and Haylee Clayton of Finger. Services were held at 2 p.m. on Fri., Sept. 20, 2002 at Casey Funeral Home Chapel, with Bro. Harry Burkhead officiating. Burial followed at Unity Cemetery. ............. FRANCES DARBY of Jonesboro, AR, 73, died Sept. 19 at her residence. Mrs. Darby was a retired telephone operator for Southwestern Bell. She was a member of First Baptist Church in Jonesboro, AR. She is survived by her husband, W. J. Darby; a daughter, Pat Looney of Jonesboro, AR; and a sister, Helen Smith of Corinth, MS. Services were held at 3:30 p.m. on Sun., Sept. 22 at Shackelford Funeral Directors of Selmer. Burial followed at Lake Hill Memorial Gardens in Bethel Springs. .................... JOHN RAILFORD SHARP, SR. of Guys, 94, died Sept. 19, 2002 at Magnolia Regional Healthcare. Mr. Sharp was a postal employee and farmer. He was a member of Guys Christian Church. He was also a member of Guys Rotary Club, and was very active in the Democratic Party. He was preceded in death by his parents, David Henry and Zilpha Meek Sharp; his wife, Christine Sharp; and a son, John Railford Sharp, Jr. He is survived by a grandson, John Railford Wright Sharp of Guys; and two granddaughters, Sarah Sharp Reynierson of Gainesville, FL and Judith Ann Sharp of Berkeley, CA. Services were held at 11 a.m. on Mon., Sept. 23 at Shackelford Funeral Home Chapel, with Minister Gerald Hadley officiating. Burial followed at Guys Cemetery in Guys. .............. EUPHEMIA WILSON HARBER of Selmer, 93, died Sept. 21, 2002 at McNairy County Healthcare Center. Mrs. Harber was a homemaker. She attended Selmer Cumberland Presbyterian Church. She was preceded in death by her husband, Dewitt Harber. She is survived by her nieces and nephews. Graveside services were held at 1 p.m. on Mon., Sept. 23 at Falcon Cemetery, with Minister Wayne McClain officiating. Shackelford Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements. ................ JOYCE GWYNE SWINNEY of Corinth, MS, 54, died Sept. 11, 2002 in Chicago, IL. She was preceded in death by her parents, Dabs Elliott, Sr. and Lovephine Gwyne; her grandparents, Charlie and Lovie Hill; and three brothers, Willie James Gwyne, Dabs Elliott, Jr. and Thomas Elliott. She is survived by three brothers, James Elliott of Chicago, IL, and Fritz Elliott and Joe Elliott, both of Raleigh, NC; four sisters, Catherine Joiner and Nellie Spivey, both of Chicago, IL, Mary Kelliy of Corinth, MS and Flora Bell of Pearl, MS; two aunts, Mary Taylor of Corinth, MS and Catherine Williams of Youngstown, OH; and a sister-in-law, Minnie Gwyne of Corinth, MS. Services were held at 11 a.m. on Sat., Sept. 21at Patterson Memorial Chapel, with the Reverend Robert Fields officiating. Burial followed at Annie Dilworth Cemetery. ............... MATILDA W. SHUMPERT of Selmer, 78, died Sept. 22, 2002 at Methodist Hospital in Selmer. She worked at Selmer Bank and was a member of the Homemakers Club in Paducah, KY. She was preceded in death by her parents, Charlie Warren and Cynthia Warren. She is survived by her husband, Robert C. Shumpert; a son, Cleophas Augustus Shumpert; a daughter, Annie Evelyn Boone; and two sisters, Cynthia Stricklin and Pinkie Whitmore. Other family includes Ann Prather and Ina Garrett, her adopted daughters. She had four grandchildren, Felecia Ann Boone, Aimee Camille Boone, Ahmad Robert Shumpert and Alexander Tyreece Jackson. She also had three gr-grandchildren and one gr-gr-grandchild. Services were held at 11 a.m. on Wed., Sept. 25, at Oak Hill MB Church, with the Reverend Raymond Shugars officiating. Burial followed at National Cemetery in Corinth, MS. Patterson Memorial Chapel is in charge of arrangements. Appeared in the Independent Appeal Newspaper, Wed., Oct. 16, 2002 OMA PLUNK of Selmer, formerly of Memphis, 98, died Oct. 12, 2002 at Decatur County General Hospital in Parsons. Mrs. Plunk was a homemaker. She was Baptist in faith. She was preceded in death by her parents, Hugh and Alice Smith Pusser; her husband, Orbie H. Plunk; a daughter, Doris Treece; and four grandchildren. She is survived by two sons, Joe N. Plunk of Olive Branch, MS and Lee Plunk of Brighton; a daughter, Shirley Welch of Chandler, AZ; a brother, Joseph Pusser of Roswell, N.M.; and a sister, Louise Burress of Jackson. She had eight grandchildren and eight gr-grandchildren. Services were held at 11 a.m. on Tues., Oct. 15th at Shackelford Funeral Home Chapel of Selmer, with Bro. Don Lipford and Bro. John Hardy officiating. A graveside committal service was at 2:30 p.m. at Memorial Park Southwoods Cemetery in Memphis. ............. REX H. WILBANKS of Selmer, 93, died Oct. 12, 2002 at Magnolia Regional Healthcare. Mr. Wilbanks was a retired businessman. He was a member of the McNairy County Democratic Party and New Hope Baptist Church. He was a former President of McNairy County and District Singing. He is survived by his wife, Grace Jewell Wilbanks; two sons, Kenneth Wilbanks of Memphis and Billy Wayne Wilbanks of Selmer; and a sister, Velvie Lassiter of Middleton. He had eight grandchildren, sixteen gr- grandchildren, and five gr-gr-grandchildren. Services were held at 3 p.m. on Tues., Oct. 15th at Shackelford Funeral Directors of Selmer, with Minister Frank Bell and Minister Zolon Clayton officiating. Burial followed at Oak Grove Cemetery in Pocahontas. .................. RUBYE JONES of Stantonville, 80, died Oct. 7, 2002 at her residence. Mrs. Jones was a homemaker. She loved gardening and quilting. She was a very active member of her church, Better Hope Primitive Baptist. She was preceded in death by her parents, Manson and Faye Walker; and her husband, Roy L. Jones. She is survived by a daughter, Gloria Hudgins and her husband, Scott of Union City; a son, Stanley Jones and his wife, Sandy of Stantonville; four grandchildren, Scott Moore, Dereck Moore and Clay Jones, all of Stantonville and Farrah McAlexander of Murfreesboro; and a gr-grandchild, Tyler Moore. Services were held at 1 p.m. on Wed., Oct. 9th at Shackelford Funeral Directors of Selmer, with Elder Elmer Weaver officiating. Burial followed at Stantonville Cemetery in Stantonville. ................ KENNETH A. NORTH of Selmer, 80, died Sun., Oct. 13, 2002 at Methodist LeBonheur-McNairy Hospital in Selmer. Mr. North was a retired grocer. He was a U.S. Army World War II Veteran, and served in the Philippines. He was preceded in death by his parents, David and Lula Miller North; and his wife, Lillian Louise Yarbrough North (died 10/5/02). He is survived by a son, Norman A. North of Palmetto, FL; and a daughter, Linda Forsyth and husband Robert of Selmer. He had four grandchildren and three gr-grandchildren. Graveside services were held at 1 p.m. on Tues., Oct. 15th at New Hope Cemetery in Michie, with Minister Maurice Pinkston officiating. Shackelford Funeral Directors of Selmer was in charge of arrangements. ............ EARL D. DANCER of Stantonville, formerly of Washington, IL, 68, died Oct. 10, 2002 at Hardin County General Hospital in Savannah. Mr. Dancer was retired from Chillicothe Metal Co. in Chillicothe, IL. He was a U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. during the Korean War. He was preceded in death by his parents, Jonah Franklin and Euthia Flatt Dancer; one sister, Oma "Jean" Vaughn; and a grandson, Nicholas Eugene Palanza. He is survived by his wife, Barbara Ann Adkins Dancer; a son, Dennis Dancer and wife Anita from Washington, IL; two daughters, Deborah Seibert and husband Stanley from Quincy, IL and Sandra Romane of Princeville, IL; and three brothers, Jonah Franklin Dancer, Jr. and wife Willie of Beaver Dam, KY, James Dancer and wife Audrey of Washington, IL, and Paul Dancer of Pickwick Dam. He had four grandchildren and two gr-grandchildren. Services were held at 1:30 p.m. on Sun., Oct 13th at Shackelford Funeral Home Chapel in Selmer, with Minister Jason Thompson officiating and J. F. Dancer, Jr. giving the eulogy. Burial followed at Stantonville Cemetery. .............. CLARENCE MARLIN TACKETT, 75, of Hornsby, died Oct. 12, 2002 at Baptist Hospital East in Memphis. The widower of Eulelia Tackett, who died in 1998, he was a retired production worker with Bolivar Tannery, having worked there for 31 years. He was born on Jan. 23, 1927 in McNairy County, son of the late John Cornelius Tackett and Beulah Hawkins Forsythe Tackett, and lived most of his life in Hardeman County. Mr. Tackett was a member of Gooch Church of Christ. Services were held at 1 p.m. on Oct. 14th at Shackelford Funeral Directors Chapel in Bolivar. Burial was in Powell's Chapel Cemetery. Survivors include a daughter and son-in-law, Rita and George Wiggins of Bolivar; a son and daughter-in-law, Glenn and Ruth Tackett of Franklin; five grandchildren and one gr-grandchild. The family requests memorials be directed to Gooch Church of Christ. ................. ARTHUR EUGENE TIBBS of Adamsville, 74, died Oct. 10, 2002 at his residence. Mr. Tibbs was a mining company foreman. He was a member of Clear Creek Baptist Church. He was preceded in death by his parents, George Franklin and Ora Bryan Tibbs. He is survived by his wife, Sandra Tibbs; a daughter, Brenda Christine Tibbs of Keamy, AZ; two sons, Darrell Tibbs and Wesley Tibbs both of Adamsville; a brother, Paul Tibbs of Poplar Bluff, MO; and three sisters, Edith Beard of Doniphan, MO, Ruth Bedingfield of Rogersville, AL, and Marie Mitchell of Enville. He had four grandchildren and six gr-grandchildren. Memorial services were held at 11 a.m. on Sat., Oct. 12th at Clear Creek Baptist Church, with Bro. Chuck Castles officiating. Shackelford Funeral Directors of Selmer was in charge of arrangements. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society. .............. BEN FRANKLIN GARDNER, JR. of Michie, 66, died Oct. 10, 2002 at Alcorn Co. Rehabilitation and Health Center. Mr. Gardner was a professional lawnscaper and mechanic. He was preceded in death by his father, Ben F. Gardner, Sr; five sisters, Cora Cummings, Janet Guinn, Azzie Milton, Joyce Spence, and Doris Woodard; and three brothers, Jimmy Carl, Jerry Wayne, and James P. Gardner. He is survived by his mother, Ora Lee Gardner; his wife, Regina Irons Gardner; a brother, Johnny Gardner of Guntown, MS; two sisters, Flora Betts of Guntwon, MS and Mattie Stewart of Corinth, MS and a brother-in-law, Nathan Irons, and wife Mary of Michie. Services were held at 2 p.m. on Oct 12th at Meigg St. Church of Christ with Bro. David Morton officiating. Burial followed at Forrest Hill Cemetery. Grayson's Funeral Home of Corinth was in charge of arrangements. ............ EDITH GERTRUDE HEARNTON of Corinth, MS, 94, died Oct. 10, 2002 at Alcorn County Care Inn. She was a member of the Eastern Star and the Heroines of Jerico. She enjoyed crocheting and quilting. She was preceded in death by her husband, Matthew Hearnton; a daughter, Daisy Dyer, five sisters, Rita Mabry, Idell Baldwin, Maggie Overton, Flora Ross, and Ora Lee Norman; and three brothers, Marcell, Henry and Clarence Baldwin. She is survived by a son, James Hearnton; six grandchildren, Gary, Ricky, and Willie Dyer, Diane Nichols, and Jamie and Toron Hearnton; seven gr- grandchildren, and a gr- gr-grandchild. Services were held at 1:30 p.m. on Sun., Oct 13th at Macedonia Baptist Church, with the Rev. Lamar Walker officiating. Burial followed at Forrest Hill Cemetery. Patterson Memorial Chapel was in charge of arrangements. .............. MINNIE BURLENE INMAN of Selmer, 77, died Oct. 8, 2002 at Methodist LeBonheur-McNairy Hospital. Mrs. Inman was a retired restaurant cook. She attended Central Baptist Church. She was preceded in death by her parents, Clyde and Alma Case Shelton. She is survived by her husband, Loyce Inman; a daughter, Janice Moore of Bethel Springs; a sister, Ludeen Moffett of Stantonville; and two brothers, G. C. Shelton of Selmer and Troy Shelton of Stantonville. She had two grandchildren, Ginger Jarnigan of Selmer and Garett Moore of Bethel Springs. She had one gr-grandchild. Services were held on Wed., Oct. 9th at Shackelford Funeral Home Chapel, with Minister James Smith officiating. Burial followed at West Shiloh Cemetery. Appeared in the Independent Appeal Newspaper, Wed., Oct. 16, 2002 OMA PLUNK of Selmer, formerly of Memphis, 98, died Oct. 12, 2002 at Decatur County General Hospital in Parsons. Mrs. Plunk was a homemaker. She was Baptist in faith. She was preceded in death by her parents, Hugh and Alice Smith Pusser; her husband, Orbie H. Plunk; a daughter, Doris Treece; and four grandchildren. She is survived by two sons, Joe N. Plunk of Olive Branch, MS and Lee Plunk of Brighton; a daughter, Shirley Welch of Chandler, AZ; a brother, Joseph Pusser of Roswell, N.M.; and a sister, Louise Burress of Jackson. She had eight grandchildren and eight gr-grandchildren. Services were held at 11 a.m. on Tues., Oct. 15th at Shackelford Funeral Home Chapel of Selmer, with Bro. Don Lipford and Bro. John Hardy officiating. A graveside committal service was at 2:30 p.m. at Memorial Park Southwoods Cemetery in Memphis. ............ REX H. WILBANKS of Selmer, 93, died Oct. 12, 2002 at Magnolia Regional Healthcare. Mr. Wilbanks was a retired businessman. He was a member of the McNairy County Democratic Party and New Hope Baptist Church. He was a former President of McNairy County and District Singing. He is survived by his wife, Grace Jewell Wilbanks; two sons, Kenneth Wilbanks of Memphis and Billy Wayne Wilbanks of Selmer; and a sister, Velvie Lassiter of Middleton. He had eight grandchildren, sixteen gr- grandchildren, and five gr-gr-grandchildren. Services were held at 3 p.m. on Tues., Oct. 15th at Shackelford Funeral Directors of Selmer, with Minister Frank Bell and Minister Zolon Clayton officiating. Burial followed at Oak Grove Cemetery in Pocahontas. ................. RUBYE JONES of Stantonville, 80, died Oct. 7, 2002 at her residence. Mrs. Jones was a homemaker. She loved gardening and quilting. She was a very active member of her church, Better Hope Primitive Baptist. She was preceded in death by her parents, Manson and Faye Walker; and her husband, Roy L. Jones. She is survived by a daughter, Gloria Hudgins and her husband, Scott of Union City; a son, Stanley Jones and his wife, Sandy of Stantonville; four grandchildren, Scott Moore, Dereck Moore and Clay Jones, all of Stantonville and Farrah McAlexander of Murfreesboro; and a gr-grandchild, Tyler Moore. Services were held at 1 p.m. on Wed., Oct. 9th at Shackelford Funeral Directors of Selmer, with Elder Elmer Weaver officiating. Burial followed at Stantonville Cemetery in Stantonville. ............... KENNETH A. NORTH of Selmer, 80, died Sun., Oct. 13, 2002 at Methodist LeBonheur-McNairy Hospital in Selmer. Mr. North was a retired grocer. He was a U.S. Army World War II Veteran, and served in the Philippines. He was preceded in death by his parents, David and Lula Miller North; and his wife, Lillian Louise Yarbrough North (died 10/5/02). He is survived by a son, Norman A. North of Palmetto, FL; and a daughter, Linda Forsyth and husband Robert of Selmer. He had four grandchildren and three gr-grandchildren. Graveside services were held at 1 p.m. on Tues., Oct. 15th at New Hope Cemetery in Michie, with Minister Maurice Pinkston officiating. Shackelford Funeral Directors of Selmer was in charge of arrangements. ........... EARL D. DANCER of Stantonville, formerly of Washington, IL, 68, died Oct. 10, 2002 at Hardin County General Hospital in Savannah. Mr. Dancer was retired from Chillicothe Metal Co. in Chillicothe, IL. He was a U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. during the Korean War. He was preceded in death by his parents, Jonah Franklin and Euthia Flatt Dancer; one sister, Oma "Jean" Vaughn; and a grandson, Nicholas Eugene Palanza. He is survived by his wife, Barbara Ann Adkins Dancer; a son, Dennis Dancer and wife Anita from Washington, IL; two daughters, Deborah Seibert and husband Stanley from Quincy, IL and Sandra Romane of Princeville, IL; and three brothers, Jonah Franklin Dancer, Jr. and wife Willie of Beaver Dam, KY, James Dancer and wife Audrey of Washington, IL, and Paul Dancer of Pickwick Dam. He had four grandchildren and two gr-grandchildren. Services were held at 1:30 p.m. on Sun., Oct 13th at Shackelford Funeral Home Chapel in Selmer, with Minister Jason Thompson officiating and J. F. Dancer, Jr. giving the eulogy. Burial followed at Stantonville Cemetery. ............. CLARENCE MARLIN TACKETT, 75, of Hornsby, died Oct. 12, 2002 at Baptist Hospital East in Memphis. The widower of Eulelia Tackett, who died in 1998, he was a retired production worker with Bolivar Tannery, having worked there for 31 years. He was born on Jan. 23, 1927 in McNairy County, son of the late John Cornelius Tackett and Beulah Hawkins Forsythe Tackett, and lived most of his life in Hardeman County. Mr. Tackett was a member of Gooch Church of Christ. Services were held at 1 p.m. on Oct. 14th at Shackelford Funeral Directors Chapel in Bolivar. Burial was in Powell's Chapel Cemetery. Survivors include a daughter and son-in-law, Rita and George Wiggins of Bolivar; a son and daughter-in-law, Glenn and Ruth Tackett of Franklin; five grandchildren and one gr-grandchild. The family requests memorials be directed to Gooch Church of Christ. ................ ARTHUR EUGENE TIBBS of Adamsville, 74, died Oct. 10, 2002 at his residence. Mr. Tibbs was a mining company foreman. He was a member of Clear Creek Baptist Church. He was preceded in death by his parents, George Franklin and Ora Bryan Tibbs. He is survived by his wife, Sandra Tibbs; a daughter, Brenda Christine Tibbs of Keamy, AZ; two sons, Darrell Tibbs and Wesley Tibbs both of Adamsville; a brother, Paul Tibbs of Poplar Bluff, MO; and three sisters, Edith Beard of Doniphan, MO, Ruth Bedingfield of Rogersville, AL, and Marie Mitchell of Enville. He had four grandchildren and six gr-grandchildren. Memorial services were held at 11 a.m. on Sat., Oct. 12th at Clear Creek Baptist Church, with Bro. Chuck Castles officiating. Shackelford Funeral Directors of Selmer was in charge of arrangements. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society. ............. BEN FRANKLIN GARDNER, JR. of Michie, 66, died Oct. 10, 2002 at Alcorn Co. Rehabilitation and Health Center. Mr. Gardner was a professional lawnscaper and mechanic. He was preceded in death by his father, Ben F. Gardner, Sr; five sisters, Cora Cummings, Janet Guinn, Azzie Milton, Joyce Spence, and Doris Woodard; and three brothers, Jimmy Carl, Jerry Wayne, and James P. Gardner. He is survived by his mother, Ora Lee Gardner; his wife, Regina Irons Gardner; a brother, Johnny Gardner of Guntown, MS; two sisters, Flora Betts of Guntwon, MS and Mattie Stewart of Corinth, MS and a brother-in-law, Nathan Irons, and wife Mary of Michie. Services were held at 2 p.m. on Oct 12th at Meigg St. Church of Christ with Bro. David Morton officiating. Burial followed at Forrest Hill Cemetery. Grayson's Funeral Home of Corinth was in charge of arrangements. ........... EDITH GERTRUDE HEARNTON of Corinth, MS, 94, died Oct. 10, 2002 at Alcorn County Care Inn. She was a member of the Eastern Star and the Heroines of Jerico. She enjoyed crocheting and quilting. She was preceded in death by her husband, Matthew Hearnton; a daughter, Daisy Dyer, five sisters, Rita Mabry, Idell Baldwin, Maggie Overton, Flora Ross, and Ora Lee Norman; and three brothers, Marcell, Henry and Clarence Baldwin. She is survived by a son, James Hearnton; six grandchildren, Gary, Ricky, and Willie Dyer, Diane Nichols, and Jamie and Toron Hearnton; seven gr- grandchildren, and a gr- gr-grandchild. Services were held at 1:30 p.m. on Sun., Oct 13th at Macedonia Baptist Church, with the Rev. Lamar Walker officiating. Burial followed at Forrest Hill Cemetery. Patterson Memorial Chapel was in charge of arrangements. ............. MINNIE BURLENE INMAN of Selmer, 77, died Oct. 8, 2002 at Methodist LeBonheur-McNairy Hospital. Mrs. Inman was a retired restaurant cook. She attended Central Baptist Church. She was preceded in death by her parents, Clyde and Alma Case Shelton. She is survived by her husband, Loyce Inman; a daughter, Janice Moore of Bethel Springs; a sister, Ludeen Moffett of Stantonville; and two brothers, G. C. Shelton of Selmer and Troy Shelton of Stantonville. She had two grandchildren, Ginger Jarnigan of Selmer and Garett Moore of Bethel Springs. She had one gr-grandchild. Services were held on Wed., Oct. 9th at Shackelford Funeral Home Chapel, with Minister James Smith officiating. Burial followed at West Shiloh Cemetery. ................... Appeared in the Independent Appeal Newspaper, Wed., Oct. 2, 2002 ADDIE MERCHANT of Memphis, 84, died of heart failure on Sept. 28, 2002 at St. Peters Villa Nursing Home. Miss Merchant was a shipping clerk at Bell Aircraft Parts Mfg. Co. in Memphis. She attended Cumberland Presbyterian Church. She was preceded in death by her parents, Carlie and Susie Dancer Prather. She is survived by a daughter, Mrs. Shirley Money of Memphis; and three grandchildren, Linda Clemens, John Money, and Amy Money. Services were held at 11 a.m. on Mon., Sept. 30, at Shackelford Funeral Home Chapel in Selmer. Burial followed at Ramer Cemetery in Ramer. .............. RAY FREEMAN of Selmer, 77, died Sept. 27, 2002 at Jackson-Madison County General Hospital. Mr. Freeman was a retired salesperson for Eveready Auto Parts in Selmer. He was a member of the McNairy County Historical Society. The American Legion, V.F.W. and Free & Accepted Masons. He served as an Elder in the Court Avenue Cumberland Presbyterian Church in Selmer. He is survived by his wife, Nona Freeman; and a brother, Joe Freeman of Humboldt. Services were held at 1 p.m. on Sun., Sept. 29, at Shackelford Funeral Directors of Selmer, with Minister Ben Luttrell officiating. Burial followed at Pebble Hill Cemetery in Michie. ................ BRIAN WILLIAMS of Jackson, 33, died Tues., Sept. 24, 2002 at Jackson General Hospital in Jackson. Mr. Williams was an IT Support Specialist with Young Touchstone in Jackson. He was preceded in death by a brothers, Shane P. Williams. He is survived by a grandparent, Oma Dee Ray of Jackson; his mother and stepfather, Shirley and Stanley Stopher of Dickson; his father and stepmother, Jerry M. and Jane Williams of Bartlett; his wife, Shelly Renae Mansfield Williams of Jackson; two sons, Alex Logan Williams and Christopher Harrington, both of Jackson; three daughters, Elizabeth Ann Jenigan, Caroll Harrington and Alyssa Williams, all of Jackson; and two stepsisters, Tracy Warren of Jackson, and Tammie Massey of Yorktown, VA. Services were held at 1:30 p.m. on Fri., Sept. 27, at Shackelford Funeral Home Chapel in Selmer, with Bro. Mark Hoover officiating. Burial followed at Falcon Cemetery in Selmer. ............... FRANCES HINES BURKS, 64, of Selmer died Sun., Sept. 29, 2002 after a brief battle with cancer. "Bay Doll," as she was affectionately known by friends and family, lived a full and meaningful life. She will be greatly missed by her four children: Sonny Ross, Lisa Horton, Linda George, and Ben Burks, all of Selmer. She also leaves behind her mothers, Mrs. Alta Hines of Bethel Springs, her sister and dearest friend, Mrs. Faye Mitchell of Selmer, two brothers, Richard Hines of Columbus, GA and Doug Hines of Memphis. Mrs. Burks also leaves behind a large extended family of nieces and nephews, aunts, uncles and cousins who all loved her very much. Mrs. Burks was greatly blessed with five grandchildren; Charlie and Hailey Horton and Katie, Caroline and Molly George. She also leaves behind many wonderful friends who have touched her greatly over the years and especially in the past few months. She was a member of the Stantonville Methodist Church and was preceded in death by her husband, Charles W. Burks and her father, Ab Hines. Services were at Shackelford Funeral Directors of Selmer on Tues., Oct. 1, at 11 a.m. with burial in Oak Hill Cemetery. Zolon Clayton officiated. Pallbearers were her nephews and great-nephews; Steve Mitchell and Ronnie Atkinson of Selmer, Jim Murphy of Pickwick, Corey Goodrum of Murfreesboro, Scott Hines of Cordova and Tyler Wells of Eudora, MS. ----------------------------- Appeared in the Independent Appeal Newspaper Wed., Oct. 9, 2002 VIRGIL VERRELL TEAGUE, a native of McNairy County, died in Rawlins, WY on Sept. 17, 2002. The funeral was held in the First United Methodist Church in Rawlins. Masonic burial followed at Rawlins Cemetery. Verrell was born May 28, 1914, the youngest of seven children born to Andrew and Lanora Teague. He married Evelyn Swaim in Selmer on Sept. 10, 1938. They recently celebrated their 64th Wedding Anniversary. The Teague's moved to Rawlins in 1941, when Mr. Teague found work on the Union Pacific Railroad. He retired as a conductor in 1979. Mr. Teague was very active in the Masonic body and was a member of every branch of the Masonic life. He was a faithful member of the Rawlins United Methodist Church. He is survived by his wife, Evelyn Teague of Rawlins; a son, Tom Teague of Lyons, CO; a daughter, Sue Hewitt of Rawlins; three granddaughters, two grandsons and numerous nieces and nephews. .............................................. The Reverend GOLDA G. STRICKLEN of Rienzi, MS, 70, died Sept. 26, 2002 at Baptist Memorial in Booneville. He was retired from ITT. He was a retired minister of Antioch M. B. Church. He joined the church at an early age. He was Vice President of Sand Hill Burial Assoc. He was married for 51 years. He was preceded in death by his parents, Nat and Selena Stricklen; two brothers, Andrew Stricklen and Roosevelt Stricklen II; and one sister, Christine McCaskill. He is survived by his wife, Elizabeth McCroy Stricklen of Rienzi, MS; two sons, James Michael Stricklen of Rienzi and Steven B. Stricklen and wife Doris of Memphis; a daughter, Annie Shinault and husband Rejean of Rienzi; a brother, William (Billy) Stricklen and wife Bernice of Milwaukee, WI; three sisters, Jewel Neal, Bernice Ross and Virginia Stricklen, all of Milwaukee, WI; three step-brothers, Thomas Porter and wife Shirley and Curtis Porter, all of Corinth, MS, and Charlie Porter of Alabama; two step- sisters, Mary Dilworth and husband William of Calif. and Ruby Damrons and husband James of Corinth, MS; four brothers-in-law and four sisters-in-law; a host of nieces and nephews and other relatives and friends. He had eight grandchildren and two gr-grandchildren. Services were held at 12 noon on Oct. 4 in Rienzi, MS with the Rev. L. B. Bogard officiating. Burial followed at St. Rest Cemetery. Grayson's Funeral Home of Corinth, MS was in charge or arrangements. ............................................................. CHARLIE C. ROBINSON of Milwaukee, WI, 67, died Sept. 28, 2002 in Milwaukee. He is survived by a brother, Wallace Robinson of Jackson. Services were held at 12 p.m. on Sat., Oct. 5, at Bethlehem Baptist Church, with the Reverend James R. Howell officiating. Burial followed at Ruckerville Cemetery. Patterson Memorial Chapel was in charge of arrangements. ................................. MARY JO BINGHAM of Austin, TX, 72, died Oct. 1, 2002 at St. David's Medical Center. Mrs. Bingham was a member of Cameron Road Church of Christ, Selmer Pilot Club, Home Demonstration Club, and Freed-Hardeman Associates. She was preceded in death by her parents, Joe Basinger and Minnie Thelma Sewell; her husband, Herschel Bingham; and two brothers, Bobby Sewell and Harold Sewell. She is survived by a sister, Fay Marie O'Neal of Enville. Services were held at 1 p.m. on Thurs., Oct. 3 at Shackelford Funeral Directors of Selmer, with Minister Malcom George officiating. Burial followed at Lebanon Cemetery in Sardis. ................................................. JESSIE MAE PLUNK of Finger, 89, died Sat., Oct. 5, 2002 at Methodist LeBonheur-McNairy Hospital in Selmer. Mrs. Plunk was a homemaker and former hospital worker and assistant rural mail carrier. She was a member of Maggie Jones United Methodist Church. She was preceded in death by her parents, Homer and Pearl Moore Carpenter; her husband, Tony S. Plunk (2/19/67); and a daughter, Shelby Jean Plunk. She is survived by two daughters, Wilma Barnes of Finger and Mary Ann Nash of Selmer; and a son, Charles N. Plunk of Finger. She had nine grandchildren, nine gr-grandchildren, and two gr-gr-grandchildren. Services were held at 1:30 p.m. on Mon., Oct. 7 at Maggie Jones United Methodist Church, with Minister Zolon Clayton officiating. Burial followed at Maggie Jones Cemetery in Finger. Shackelford Funeral Directors of Selmer was in charge of arrangements. ............................................... LILLIAN LOUISE NORTH of Selmer, 77, died Sat., Oct. 5, 2002 at Methodist LeBonheur-McNairy Hospital in Jackson. Mrs. North was a homemaker. She was preceded in death by her parents, Joe and Etta Violes Yarborough. She is survived by her husband, Kenneth North of Selmer; a son, Norman A. North of Palmetto, FL; a daughter, Linda Forsyth of Selmer; and three sisters, Ruth Brock of Paris, TX, Abbie Jewel Huggins of Crump, and Ruby Sims of Memphis. She had four grandchildren, and three gr-grandchildren. Graveside services were held at 1 p.m. on Tues., Oct. 8 at New Hope Cemetery in Michie, with Minister Maurice Pinkston officiating. Shackelford Funeral Directors of Selmer was in charge of arrangements. ............................................... DEBORAH (DEBBIE) STRICKLAND of Bethel Springs, 45, died Oct. 3, 2002 at Methodist LeBonheur-McNairy Hospital. Mrs. Strickland was a homemaker. She was preceded in death by her father, Avon Morris; and a brother, Kenneth Morris. She is survived by her mother, Melva Smith Morris of Bethel Springs; her husband, Masel Strickland; a daughter, Tammy Lynn Strickland of Bethel Springs; a son, Jimmy Strickland of Bethel Springs; and three grandchildren, Jessica Nicole Cruse, Ginger Lee Crouse and Mika Lynn Crouse; two brothers, Dennis Morris of Henderson and Keith Morris of Selmer; and four sisters, Jo Ann Ross, Joyce Cupples, and Donna Strickland, all of Henderson, and Regina Crowe of Bethel Springs. Services were held at 3 p.m. on Fri., Oct. 4 at Shackelford Funeral Home Chapel. Burial followed at Mt. Carmel Cemetery. .......................................... MAE MULLINS of Ramer, 77, died Oct. 3, 2002 at Methodist LeBonheur-McNairy Hospital. Mrs. Mullins was retired from ITT in Corinth, MS. She attended Campground United Methodist Church. She was preceded in death by her husband, Jess D. Mullins, three brothers, and two sisters. She is survived by a host of nieces and nephews Services were held at 11 a.m. on Sat., Oct. 5 at Campground United Methodist Church, with Minister Guy Thomas Garrett officiating. Burial followed at Campground Cemetery in Walnut, MS. Shackelford Funeral Directors of Selmer was in charge of arrangements. .................................................... ANNIE M. JONES of Corinth, MS, 83, died Oct. 2, 2002 at Magnolia Regional Health Center. Mrs. Jones was a devoted member of her church choir. She was preceded in death by her parents, Jennie Coleman and Minus Coleman; and two sisters, Stella Ware and Ora Lee Mays She is survived by two daughters, Mary G. Rogers and Mary A. Williams; a sister, Laura Robinson; and a host of nieces and nephews and cousins. She had two grandchildren. Services were held at 1 p.m. on Thurs., Oct. 10 at Mason Saint Luke Church with the Reverend Donald Anderson officiating. Burial followed at Liberty Cemetery in Kossuth, MS. Patterson Memorial is in charge of arrangements. .................................................. JAMES A. MARTIN of Selmer, 68, died Oct. 3, 2002 at Methodist LeBonheur- McNairy Hospital. Mr. Martin worked for the McNairy County Hwy. Dept. He was an Army Veteran. He was preceded in death by his parents, Edgar and Violet Martin; and a brother, Pete Martin. He is survived by a daughter, Lisa Bryan of Rossville; and two stepdaughters, Billie Meeks of Booneville, MS and Connie Robison of Guntown, MS; a brother, Andrew Martin of Ramer; and eight sisters, Hattie Baker, Iller Teague and Dorothy Winters, all of Ramer, Elizabeth Carter and Tommie Carter, both of Pocahontas, Lillie Emerson of Henderson, Mildred Thomas of Memphis and Shirley Wren of Guys. Services were held at 1:30 p.m. on Sat., Oct. 5 at Shackelford Chapel, with Minister Brian Jackson officiating. Burial followed at White Oak Cemetery in Ramer ....................................... BETTY J. TACKETT of Hornsby, 64, died Oct. 4, 2002 at her residence. Mrs. Tackett was a homemaker. She was a member of Hunter's Chapel Church. She was preceded in death by her parents, Enloe and Essie Vaughn Howell; her husband, Paul Tackett; a daughter, June Tackett; and three brothers, Ansel Howell, Ervin Howell and Roger Howell. She is survived by a son, James Paul Tackett of Ramer; two daughters, Pamela Kiser of Selmer and Patricia Rogers of Hornsby; two sisters, Gail Lowrance of Bethel Springs and Rethel Miller of Jackson; and three brothers, Sam Howell, LeRoy Howell and Leslie Howell. Services were held at 3 p.m. on Sun., Oct. 6 at Shackelford Chapel, with Minister Jimmy Howell officiating. Burial followed at Sulphur Springs Cemetery........................................... Appeared in the Independent Appeal Newspaper, Wed., Oct. 23, 2002 MICHAEL R. ROBERTS of Oxford, AL, 38, died Oct. 13, 2002 at Northeast Alabama Medical Center. He was a member of Blue Springs Baptist Church, Oxford, AL. He was preceded in death by his mother, Donna Roberts; and sister, Deborah Roberts. He is survived by his father, Bobby R. Roberts of Selmer, his wife, Muerrell Roberts of Oxford, AL; two sons, Jessie and Daniel Roberts of Oxford, AL; two step-daughters, Elizabeth Bennett and Felishia Digby of Oxford, AL; and one brothers, Bobby W. Roberts of St. Louis, MO. Services were held at Miller Funeral Home in Oxford ............... RAY KIRK of Selmer, 74, died Oct. 15, 2002 at his residence. Mr. Kirk was a retail store owner. He was a member of Bethel Springs Church of God. He was preceded in death by his parents, Lunie and Maggie Kirk. He is survived by his wife, Graple Kirk; a son, Jerry Kirk of Selmer; a daughter, Phyllis Smithy of Brentwood; and three sisters, Willie Mae Weaver of Hornsby, Opal Taylor of Selmer and Gail Russom of Ramer. He had two grandchildren. Services were held at 1 p.m. on Wed., Oct. 16, 2002 at Shackelford Funeral Directors of Selmer, with Minister Floyd Jones officiating. Burial followed at Lake Hill Memory Gardens in Bethel Springs ............... VELMA WHITTEMORE FARRIS of Corinth, MS, 92, died Wed., Oct. 16, 2002 at Alcorn Health and Rehab Center. She was a homemaker and a member of Grace Bible Baptist Church. She loved her family and friends, and enjoyed singing and going to the Bishop Senior Citizens Center. She was preceded in death by her parents, T. Whittemore and Lula Hardwick Whittemore; her husband William "Floyd" Farris; four brothers, Erskine Whittemore, Millard Whittemore, Garvin Whittemore, and Clinnon Whittemore; and three sisters, Maggie Richardson, Fannie Floyd, and Ludie Childers. She is survived by a son, Aaron Farris and wife Frances of Corinth, MS; a daughter, Lewell Inman of Corinth, MS; two grandchildren, Cassie Farris of Amory, MS and Dr. Tony Inman and wife, Debbie of West Monroe, LA; and a great-grandson, Grant Inman of Ruston, LA. She also had several nieces, nephews, other relatives and a host of friends. Services were held at 2 p.m. on Fri., Oct. 18 at Magnolia Chapel of Memories, with the Rev. Ralph Culp and Dr. Randy Bostick officiating. Burial followed at Gravel Hill Cemetery. Magnolia Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.