United Funeral Service

James Elzee Bramlett, age 94, of New Albany, MS, went home to be with his Lord and Savior on November 30, 2024, at his home. James was born on March 8, 1930, in Pontotoc, MS, to Oliver E. Bramlett and Anna Kate Gregory Bramlett. He graduated from Thaxton High School in 1950. He was a Baptist and a Deacon. He was retired from the State of Mississippi Department of Transportation. James served his country as a Corporal in the U. S. Army during the Korean War. He was stationed in El Paso, TX, where he served as a Military Policeman. In his younger years, when he lived in Memphis, TN, he worked at Saints Service Station Garage and Wrecker. He serviced Elvis Presley's pink Cadillac on many...

Rickey Elmer Henry "Pop", age 73, passed away Monday, November 25, 2024 in Memphis, Tennessee. He was born August 12, 1951 to Robert Edgar and Beatrice Cox Henry. He was married to the love of his life, Judith "Judy" Sanford Henry, for 52 years and built a wonderful life with her. His pride and joy was his son, Paul and his two beautiful granddaughters, Brooklyn and Mia whom he adored and loved spending any time he could with them, supporting them in anything they were involved in, and lovingly joking with them any chance he could get. Pop took care of his family so well. He loved big and he was loved by so many in return. Rickey loved to spend time with his family and many...

George Rudolph Wicker, 83, of Hickory Flat, Ms., died on Sunday, November 17, 2024. He was born to George Gibson Wicker and Aileen Boatwright Wicker at their home in Hickory Flat on July 10, 1944. He graduated from Hickory Flat High School and then attended William R. Moore School of Technology Memphis, graduating in 1961 as a Diesel Mechanic with continuing education throughout his career. He was initially employed with Futorian truck shop and later with Blue Mountain Trucking, retiring in 2008. He was a member of Benton County Forestry Association, Mississippi State University Extension. He was an active member of the First Baptist Church in Hickory Flat since 1952. He had a wide...

Rita Darlene Redding Badgley, affectionately known as Darlene, passed away on November 15, 2024, in Collierville, TN, at the age of 60. Born on February 10, 1964, in Memphis, TN, to the late Hayward Lyndell Redding and Fredlene Ralph Redding, Darlene's life was marked by her loving spirit, her passion for her career, and her unwavering courage. Darlene grew up in New Albany and was a proud 1982 graduate of New Albany High School. Her dedication to helping others led her to pursue and earn a BS Degree in X-ray Technology and Nursing. Throughout her career, Darlene touched countless lives as a travel nurse, a role that allowed her to combine her love for travel with her commitment to caring...

Franklin Lawton Norwood passed away at his home in Etta, MS on Tuesday morning, November 12, 2024. Affectionately known as Frank, he was born on November 9, 1978, to Debbie McNabb Norwood and Terry Norwood in Somerville, TN. Frank lived most of his life in Union County, but was known to travel extensively for work and friendships. Frank graduated with honors from West Union Attendance Center in 1997. After graduation he attended Northeast Community College. He was a member of Salem Baptist Church. Frank was a problem solver of technology in many work areas and an account representative with North MS Medical Center. His kind spirit was reflected in all his work and relationships. Flowers...

Kenneth Roger Floyd, known affectionately as Kenny or Bull by his friends and family, passed away peacefully on November 10, 2024, in Tupelo, MS. Born on January 10, 1951, in Greenville, MS, Kenny was a man whose warmth and kindness touched all who knew him. He was a beloved husband, father, and friend, remembered for his friendly demeanor, interesting stories, and kind heart. Kenny spent his early years in the company of his late parents, Bennie "Sonny" Floyd and Pat Crane Floyd, as well as his brother, Michael "Bubba" Floyd, who predeceased him. The values of family and hard work were instilled in him from a young age, the man he would become. Kenny's life was filled with the love of his...

Janis "Nana" Bell Montague, age 87, went peacefully to her heavenly home on November 8, 2024. She was born July 28, 1937 in New Albany to the late Grace Bailey Bell and Voice Brown Bell. She was Valedictorian of Ingomar High School, Class of 1955. Following graduation she moved to Memphis and attended the Memphis School of Commerce. She retired from Shelby County Government in 1994 after serving in several departments, the last of which was as executive secretary to the Shelby County Mayor Bill Morris. She was active in many clubs, including Executive Women International, The King's Daughters and Sons Home and the American Business Women. She was an active member of Oakland First...

Hazel Lavern Goggans Kirk White passed away peacefully on November 6, 2024, at the age of 101 in Houston, Mississippi. Born on September 9, 1923, in Union County, Mississippi, Lavern was a beacon of light and love to all who knew her. Lavern was the cherished daughter of the late Oscar and Maggie Gafford Goggans. She was preceded in death by her beloved first husband, "Coot" Kirk, her second husband, Perry White, one brother, and five sisters. Her legacy of love and faith lives on through her devoted daughter, Rexie Kirk Mann, her son, Arthur Scott Kirk, her sister, Eula Campbell, her three adoring grandchildren, and seven great-grandchildren who will continue to be inspired by her...

Charlsey Lou Stroud Goolsby passed away peacefully on October 22, 2024, at her home in Myrtle, MS. Born on April 1, 1940, in Union County, MS, Charlsey was a beacon of love and kindness throughout her 84 years. The daughter of the late Charlie Emerson Stroud and Mary Lou Beard Stroud, Charlsey grew up surrounded by a large and loving family. She was preceded in death by her devoted husband, E.L. "Sonny" Goolsby, with whom she shared a life full of joy and companionship. Charlsey was also the sister to the late Elbert Stroud, William E. "Kinks" Stroud, Johnny Stroud, Robert Stroud, Mable Kirk, and Frances Adams, and aunt to the late Dewayne Stroud. Her legacy continues through her...

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...