United Funeral Service

Herbert Alan Morgan, 98, passed away peacefully in his home surrounded by his family and caretakers on September 13, 2024. He was born September 30, 1925 in Rossville, Illinois to Herbert E. and Harriett Angeline Kenney Morgan. Herbert was a 1942 graduate of Cayuga High School in Cayuga, Indiana. Shortly after high school graduation he began his short World War II military career with enlistment into the United States Army on March 10, 1944. His life forever changed on December 21, 1944 when he was severely injured when a shrapnel from a German artillery shell entered his spine. Herbert was immediately paralyzed and spent his remaining life in a wheelchair. However, this...

Gary Young Adair, known fondly to friends and family as Gary, passed away peacefully on September 11, 2024, in Olive Branch, MS. Born on July 13, 1952, in New Albany, MS, Gary's life was a melody composed of love, laughter, and music. His legacy is one of joy and harmony, leaving behind a chorus of memories for all who knew him. A proud graduate of Ingomar High School in 1970, Gary's education set the stage for a life rich in creativity and performance. From the tender age of 13, music coursed through his veins, and by 17, he was captivating audiences with his rhythmic drum beats and soulful vocals. Gary's passion for music led him to share the stage with icons such as Stevie Nicks, Waylon...

Robert Andrew "Judd" Lessel, passed away peacefully on September 8, 2024, at the North Mississippi Medical Center in Tupelo, MS. Born on July 21, 1938, in Blue Springs, MS. Judd is survived by his wife of 62 years, Barbara Warrington Lessel, and their children: Alan Lessel, Carol Owen (Mac), Donna Dudas (John), Janet Stecher (John), Ginger Ragan (Ashley), David Lessel (Connie) and Amy Hutcheson (Alan), fifteen grandchildren and seventeen great-grandchildren. Preceding him in death were his parents, Marvin Prentiss Lessel and Omie Odell Wilmoth Lessel, his brother Alton Lessel (Juanita), and his sister Shirley Grantham (Ralph). Judd served his country in the U.S. Army. After his...

Patricia Ann Hogue, 74, passed away on Friday, September 6th. She peacefully left this world surrounded by those who love her most, and entered into Heaven with a smile on her face. She was born in 1950, in Montgomery, AL, to the late Cecil Ray Hill and the late Anna Carolyn Carter Hill. She was the eldest of two daughters; with The Lord blessing her with a lifelong best friend in her younger sister, Donna. She was married to Jerry "Bear" Watts, from 1969 until 1996, when he passed away. In their time together, they had two children. A daughter, Candace Jane and a son, Jeremy Patrick. In 1997 she married the love of her life, Jerry Michael Hogue. With him she gained two bonus sons,...

Ruby Grace Rakestraw, 84, passed away on Wednesday, September 4, 2024 at New Albany Health and Rehab Center in New Albany, surrounded by her family. She was born April 10, 1940 to the late Wavy C. Rakestraw and Jewel C. Rakestraw. She attended Center School. She was employed at Mohasco/Futorian Furniture Company and New Albany Industries in New Albany for many years. She was a member of Parks Baptist Church in New Albany. Ms. Ruby enjoyed taking care of her family and friends, enjoyed gardening and fishing. She would always put her family and friends first before her own. You would always see her driving thru town taking someone to the store, a doctor appointment or just riding around...

Bobby Owen passed away at his home on Tuesday, September 3, 2024, at the age of 68, after an extended illness. He was born September 23, 1955, in New Albany, MS, to Bobby O. Owen, Sr., and Lucille Bullock Owen. He was a member of Hillcrest Baptist Church. Bobby was retired from Copywrite, Inc. where he worked as a Copier Tech. Bobby was always happiest when he was woodworking. He loved tending to his yard and just being outside. He also enjoyed hunting and fishing with his family and friends, as well as playing virtual golf on his phone. But above all, Bobby cherished the time he spent with his family. They were his greatest joy and his biggest source of happiness. Whether it was a...

Nancy Katherine McKinstry Ellis passed away peacefully in her sleep at home on September 1, 2024. She was 98. Nancy was born April 13, 1926, in Saltillo, TN, to Rev. John Logan McKinstry and Margaret Gordon Rothrock McKinstry. The youngest of five children, she lived her early years in Reagan, TN, where her father was a Cumberland Presbyterian minister. The family moved to Blue Mountain, MS, when she was 12. She graduated from Blue Mountain High School as valedictorian in 1943. She then attended Blue Mountain College, graduating in 1946 with a degree in Business Education. Upon graduation, she worked at the Bank of Blue Mountain for Mr. Albert Guyton. She met her future husband, David...

Carolyn McClure of New Albany began her life in heaven on September 1, 2024, at the age of 71. She was born on April 20, 1953, to Boyd and Ola Lea Roberts of Union County. Carolyn is survived by her husband, Ted McClure, of New Albany and daughter, Jennifer Lea McClure, of Oxford. She is also survived by her brother, Mike Roberts (Susan) of Ripley. She was preceded in death by her parents and siblings Shirley Roberts, Jane Hall, Elizabeth Davis, and William Roberts. Carolyn was a member of First Methodist Church in New Albany, where she served as a Sunday School teacher for 45 years. Visitation will be held there in Wesley Hall from 6:00-7:00pm on Thursday, September 5. Memorial donations...

With profound sorrow, we announce the passing of Sandra Kay Russell, 73, of the Macedonia Community, who after a long illness passed peacefully from this world at home, in the place where she was born, surrounded by her family on Thursday, April 22, 2024. Her humble way of life and wise spirit easily positioned her as the matriarch of her family. She was a devoted mother, grandmother, great grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend, whose love for her family and friends was immeasurable. She was a pillar of strength in times of need, a source of comfort in times of sorrow, and a guiding light in moments of uncertainty. She was honest to a fault- sometimes even more so than we liked to...

"What a day that will be when my Jesus I shall see...", lyrics Helen Moore Lindsey, 94, often heard, was experienced when she entered heaven's gates August 22, 2024 following an extended debilitating condition. As was her demeanor in life, her death was quiet, calm, and peaceful. Because of home hospice care, provided by HomeCare/Legacy, end of life care began immediately upon her condition change assuring continuous comfort. She was born to William Moore and Inez Lutz Moore, June 14,1930 in Hocking County, Ohio. Lancaster, Ohio was her home until marriage to James Lindsey moved her South. Myrtle, MS was her primary residence when she and family were not traveling the country for her...

Lael Trent Gooch, 91, died peacefully on Sunday afternoon, August 18th, 2024, surrounded by his children. He left behind a legacy of faith, love and integrity that began with his birth to Clara Mae Walker Gooch and Carlos Trent Gooch on Sunday, November 20, 1932, in a dog trot log home on Pine Bluff Road in Lafayette County, Mississippi. That property has remained in the family since 1884. A proud resident of Toccopola, Mississippi, Lael knew the importance of hard work his entire life. As a child he often tended the general store owned by his father and was hired to build a fire in each classroom at the local school early every morning. He completed his studies at Toccopola High...

Elizabeth Ann Roberts Davis passed away at the age of 80 on August 17, 2024, in Pontotoc, MS. She was born April 6, 1944, to Boyd Shirley Roberts and Ola Lea Welty Roberts. Elizabeth was a member of First Methodist Church. She lived a life adorned with the simple joys of nature's beauty. Elizabeth found solace and happiness in the embrace of her garden and cultivating a yard brimming with vibrant flowers. Her passion for the outdoors extended to her love for birds and feeding the wildlife that visited her little haven. Elizabeth was a devoted mother to her daughter, Suzanne Davis Strehle (Adam), and basked in the joy of her grandchildren, Walt and Sadie Strehle. She also leaves behind...

Harry Dean Brown passed away on Monday, August 12, 2024. He was born May 21, 1944 to Dean and Maggie Sue Brown. Harry Dean was a graduate of Sherman High School, where he was a basketball and baseball player. Later, he proudly served his country in the United States Army and worked for UPS in Tupelo, MS, for thirty years. Harry Dean enjoyed all sports and had a passion for antique vehicles and participating in car shows. He was a member of Locust Hill Baptist Church. Harry Dean married Ann McCarty in May of 1971 and they have one child, their pride and joy Brian Brown. Survivors include his loving wife of fifty-three years, Ann McCarty Brown, son, Brian Brown, two sisters, Nita Brown,...

Melba Dianne Willard Maxey Rapp, 72, of New Albany, MS, passed away peacefully on August 10, 2024 at home. Born on August 3, 1952, to Melvis and Birdie Callicutt Willard, Dianne's life was one of devotion to her family, her work, and her community. Services to honor her life will be on Tuesday, August 13, at 5:00pm with Bro. Jack Hickey officiating at United Funeral Service. Visitation will be from 4:00pm until the start of the service. Burial will be at Vista Memorial Park. Dianne was married to her husband, David Rapp for 29 years. She spent a majority of her life loving and spoiling her grandsons, Alex Bryant (Peyton), and Destin Bryant (Kate), and one great-grandchild, Annie Jo...

Margarette Oleda Beaty Tanner, 81, passed away on Monday, August 5, 2024 at her home in Blue Mountain, MS. Margarette was born September 7, 1942 to Isaac Ward Beaty and Willie Oleda Thomas Beaty. She was a graduate of Tippah-Union High School. She was a very loving wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. In addition to being a homemaker, she worked at Denton Mills as a shipping clerk for many years. She was a member of Faith Baptist church in Hickory Flat. Mrs. Tanner enjoyed taking care of her family and pets, gardening, playing dominoes and fishing with her husband. Her family will deeply miss her love and care for them, her infectious laugh, inquisitive, outgoing and humorous...

Robert Henry, Jr., affectionately known as Bobby by friends and family, passed away peacefully on August 4, 2024, in New Albany, MS, at the age of 90. Born on January 11, 1934, in Union County, MS, to Robert W. Henry and Flossie Mae Purvis Henry. Bobby was a man of intelligence, kindness, and a gentle disposition that touched the lives of all who knew him. Bobby was a member of Liberty Baptist Church. Bobby's early years in Union County were the foundation of a life characterized by hard work, service, and a love for his community. After serving honorably in the U.S. Army, he dedicated over thirty years to the Union County Baptist Memorial Hospital as a maintenance worker, where his...

It is with great sadness that the family of Minnie Joyce Allred Peters, Joyce, Beloved mother, mamaw, and sister, announces her passing. Minnie Joyce Allred Peters, 79, of Myrtle, Mississippi passed away peacefully at her home, surrounded by family, on Saturday, August 3, 2024, after an extended illness. Joyce was born July 8, 1945 in Union County to Hugh Thomas and Dessie Lee Sanford Allred. She went to school at Tippah-Union School. She was the seventh sibling of ten. In years passed, she enjoyed gathering at her parents with all her siblings, their children, their grands, as well as hers, playing rook around the table after lunch and a good softball game in the pasture. She spent...

Earle Eugene White passed away peacefully at Methodist University Hospital in Memphis, TN on July 29, 2024 with his wife by his side. Born on March 7, 1952 in New Albany, MS, Earle's 72 years on this earth were defined by devotion to his family, love for his community, and passion for the sport of bowling. After graduating from East Aurora High School in Aurora, IL, Earle went on to make a significant impact on the bowling community in Mississippi. He proudly served as the president of both the Mississippi State and New Albany United States Bowling Congress (USBC) associations, and as a director of the Southern Bowling Congress. Additionally, Earle was a respected volunteer coach for the...

John David Roberts, known as J.D., passed away on July 26, 2024, at the age of 100 in Blue Springs, MS. Born on September 21, 1923,. J.D. served his country in the U.S. Army. His bravery was recognized with the French Medal of Honor. After his time in the Army, he worked as a factory worker and for Union County. He was involved with the American Legion and was a Mason. J.D. loved yard work and gardening and he could often be found tending to his plants and flowers. J.D. also took great pride in handing out poppies for the Legion, a symbol of remembrance and respect for fallen soldiers. J.D. was preceded in death by his wife, Christeen Jones Roberts, his parents, Charlie and...

Jewel Langford Rowan, 93, passed away July 26th, 2024 at Dogwood New Albany Senior Living. She was born November 6th, 1930, in Union County to the late Clyde Langford and Pauline Littlejohn Langford. She was employed at Mohasco Furniture Company for 41 years and was a member of Hillcrest Baptist Church. Funeral services will be Sunday July 28th, 2024. Visitation will be from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. with the service beginning at 3:00 p.m. at United Funeral Service in New Albany, Mississippi. Brother Johnny Rakestraw and Brother Don Chandler will be officiating the services. She is survived by her sister, Helen Moser of Collierville, Tennessee, her brother, Roger Langford of New...

Dovie Jean Smith Stutts, affectionately known as Dovie Stutts, left this world on July 24, 2024, at the age of 86, in Blue Springs, MS, with the same grace and dignity with which she lived her life. Born on May 20, 1938, in Sledge, MS. Dovie's life was marked by her unwavering dedication to her family and her vibrant spirit. As a homemaker, she poured her love and energy into creating a warm and welcoming home, filled with laughter, and adventure. Dovie never missed a chance to be on the dance floor, and her spirited nature ensured that she was the life of every gathering. She was a cherished member of the Ladies Auxiliary at the American Legion Auxiliary,Post 72, where she formed lasting...