Natchez Democrat

Cynthia Ann Reeves, 59, of Dacula Georgia passed away on Monday, August 1st, 2022 surrounded by family. She was born October 31st, 1962 in Natchez Mississippi, the daughter of Julia Ann and Claude Gerald Reeves. She received her BS in Criminal Justice from the University of Southern Mississippi in 1983 and served as a Special Agent with the USDA Office of Inspector General. Survivors include her nephew Claude Gerald Reeves lll (Trey), nieces Hannah Nicole Reeves and Kayla Deshea Hickman, and special cousin Brenda Short. She is preceded in death by her parents Julia Ann and Claude Gerald Reeves, her brother Claude Gerald Reeves, Jr., the love of her life Glenn W. Parsons and her beloved dogs...

On Sunday, June 5, 2022, Shirley Virginia Thomas Feduccia, loving mother, grandmother, and great grandmother, passed away at the age of 81. Shirley was born on September 28, 1940, in Winnsboro, Louisiana to Jim and Garland Mercer Thomas. She grew up on a cotton farm in Jigger, Louisiana, and attended school in nearby Fort Necessity. She and her husband raised two sons, Bedford and Larry, and one daughter, Sue, near Natchez, MS. Shirley devoted her love and life to the care of her home and her family. Shirley also had a passion for flower gardening; daylilies were her favorite of which she always so graciously shared divisions with family, friends, and neighbors. Her beautiful...

Ann Barrett Clark Carroll, age 80 of Franklin, TN passed away May 3, 2022. She was born in Natchez, MS to the late Rufus and Marguerite Clark. Ann graduated from The University of Louisiana Monroe. She taught dance to generations of children throughout Williamson County and surrounding areas since 1970. Ann founded one of the largest and most successful dance schools in the South, the Ann Carroll School of Dance. She also had two of her own books published. She is preceded in death by her husband Dr. Ray Carroll; brothers, Rufus Barney "Buddy" Clark and Sprague Stanton; sister, Sandra Zizzi. A celebration of Ann's life will be held May 10, 2022 at St. Philip Catholic Church, 113 Second...

After his wife's death, Captain Daily wrote: "Some day when it's all over; and we lie among the roses and they see us for the last time, I think they will know there was no greater love than your's and mine. See you soon, my love. God bless you." On April 30, 2022, Earl Ray Daily, age 92, passed away in Franklin, TN, and joined his bride of 70 years, Betty Sue Peters Daily, after her death three months prior. He was also preceded in death by his parents, Jeff and Bonnie Daily, his brothers, Jeff Daily, Jr. and James Robert Daily, and his son, Larry Ray Daily. Captain Daily was born in Mulberry, Arkansas on November 25, 1929. Employed by Canal Barge Company of New Orleans as a riverboat...

Carl Rogel passed away on April 15, 2022 at the age of 63, surrounded by his family at his home in Flowood, MS. Carl showed his courage in facing life challenges as he battled an aggressive cancer. Despite the pain, Carl put up an intrepid fight and stayed strong until the end. The Cleveland, Ohio native was a free spirit and worked as a weight-guesser at state fairs across the country. He never expected his life to change when he rolled into Jackson, MS for the Mississippi State Fair. Carl met Lesa, the love of his life. When he tells the story, Carl says "She was all over me!" Lesa's version of the story is the opposite of course. The biggest Cleveland Browns fan in the South began a...

Mattie Morese Bowlin, 88, a resident of Smithdale, MS, passed away on April 9, 2022, at her residence surrounded by her loved ones. Visitation will be Tuesday April 12, 2022 from 10 AM until services at 11 AM at Mt. Olive Baptist Church in Smithdale. Rev. Eric Moak, Dr. John Moody and Rev. Ted Bowlin will officiate and burial will be in the Ebeneezer United Methodist Church cemetery in McCall Creek, MS. Hartman-Jones Funeral Home of McComb will be in charge of arrangements. Mattie was born on September 10, 1933 in Amite County, MS. She was the daughter of the late Jessie Eugene and Arie Dell Westbrook McGehee. Mattie was a retired hairdresser having worked over twenty five years in the...

Age 90, died April 5th, 2022 at Terova Senior Living in Mequon, Wisconsin. Doris was born on August 24th, 1931 in Saarbrucken, Saar. She emigrated with her family in 1935 and settled near family in Natchez, MS. Her parents established the "L" Grocery in downtown Natchez. Doris graduated from Natchez High School and earned a B.A. from Sophie Newcomb College in New Orleans, LA. Doris worked in New York City after college, and then settled in Chicago, IL. Doris enjoyed traveling, theater, and the arts. Doris worked in retail marketing for many years. Doris volunteered with a few organizations for decades, as an usher with the Chicago Saints for theater, opera, and symphony performances...

Julie Ann (Dolly) Tageant Reeves, 81, of Natchez Mississippi, passed away on Sunday February the 20th, 2022 at Northside Hospital Gwinnett in Lawrenceville, Georgia. She was born October 24, 1940 in Natchez, Mississippi, the daughter of Joseph and Julia Richardson Tageant. Survivors include her daughter Cynthia Ann Reeves of Dacula, Georgia; brother Jesse James Tageant of Natchez, Mississippi; grandchildren Claude Gerald Reeves lll (Trey), Kayla Deshea Webb Hickman, and Hannah Nicole Reeves, and special niece Brenda Short. She is preceded in death by her husband Claude (Rat) Gerald Reeves and her son Claude Gerald Reeves, Jr., of Natchez Mississippi. Dolly was a beautiful and loving mother...

Jo Ann Wilkins Thornton, 68, of McComb, MS passed away Thursday, January 13, 2022, at McComb Nursing and Rehab Center after a lengthy illness. A memorial service will be held at 1:00 at Laird Funeral Home in Natchez, MS on Friday, January 21, 2022. Visitation will begin at 11:00. Interment will be at the Natchez City Cemetery immediately following the memorial service. Brother Kelvin Boone will preside over the services. Jo Ann was born August 14, 1953, in Natchez, MS the youngest daughter of the late Alma "Red" McClure Wilkins and the late Edgar D. Wilkins, Jr. and was the stepdaughter of Patsy Wilkins, lovingly known as "Mom". In her younger years, Jo Ann was an avid horsewoman. One of her...

George Edwin Banderia passed away January 9, 2022, in Brandon, Mississippi at the age of 78. George was born August 29, 1943, in Natchez, MS. George was an avid outdoorsman whose passions included hunting, fishing, and a little gold panning. In 1961, George graduated from Washington High School and married Carolyn, the love of his life. In 1978, George moved Carolyn and his three girls west where he spent the next 40 years in Wyoming and Colorado. He had some wonderful adventures and made some amazing friends. After he retired, George moved back to Mississippi to enjoy the peaceful Southern breeze and do some fishing. George lived a life full of adventure and fun. His wife and girls knew...

Memorial services for Joan Harper McCullough, 59, of Tyler, Texas, formerly of Natchez, who died Thursday, Sept. 23, 2021, in Texas, will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 16, 2021, at Greater Macedonia Baptist Church. Joan was born August 14, 1962, in Natchez, the daughter of Clara Griffin and Charlie Harper. She was a 1980 graduate of North Natchez High School. She was a member of Mt. Rose Baptist Church, Troup, Texas. Joan was preceded in death by her father; maternal and paternal grandparents; and husband, Garner Ray McCullough. Joan leaves to cherish her memories; siblings, Thomas, Cleo, Charlie, Benita and Janice; and a host of nephews, nieces, other relatives and friends.

Beloved husband, cherished father and grandfather, devoted son and brother, treasured uncle, cousin and friend, Timothy Keith Huff, age 63, passed away in Longview, Texas on Monday, September 20, 2021. Tim was born on January 27, 1958 in Natchez, Mississippi to James Huff and Anne Maxie Huff. Tim is preceded in death by his father, James Huff, and nephew, Alan Huff. He is survived by his wife of 35 years, Kerry (Moyer) Huff; his daughters, Ashley Key and husband, Shannon Key, Meredith Sloan and Lindsay Martinez and husband, David Martinez; his beloved grandchildren, Reese and Cason Sloan, Hunter, Tanner and Parker Key and Grant and Leah Martinez; his mother, Anne Huff; brothers, Jim Huff...

Claude Gordon Willoughby (Butch), 81, of Summit, MS passed away at Beachem Memorial Hospital on Tuesday, September 7, 2021. A memorial service is to be held at Adams United Methodist Church and will be announced at a later date. He is predeceased by his parents, Gordon Leigh Willoughby and Norma Gene Coney Willoughby of Johnston's Station, Mississippi and sister, Martha Gene Willoughby May of Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Survivors include his loving wife of sixty years, Rebecca Jane Carruth Willoughby (Becky); his children Gordon Phillip Willoughby and wife, Dr. Tamara Ardans Willoughby of Auburn, Maine, Rebecca Leigh Willoughby of Pensacola, Florida, and Dr. Paul Allen Willoughby and wife, Lynda...

Donnie G. Thompson, 71, of Magee, MS passed away peacefully and went to be with his Lord on July 21, 2021 at Baptist Hospital in Jackson, MS. He was a loving husband, father, brother, grandfather and great grandfather. Donnie was born in Shaw, MS to P.G. Thompson and Jamie Canoy Thompson on January 12, 1950. He is survived by his loving wife of 52 years, Diane Davis Thompson, his daughters, Stephanie Thompson and Donna Thompson, his brothers, Guy Thompson and Tommy Thompson, his sister, Edna Cowan, his grandchildren, Tyler Posey (Chelsy), Garrett Manchester and Connor Ford, his great grandchildren, Addison Posey and Tripp Posey and a host of nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by...

Alvin was born February 22nd, 1947, in Natchez, Mississippi and transitioned to Heaven July 1st, 2021, at age 74. He was born the son of Abraham L. Curtis Sr. and Edna M. Curtis Phipps. He graduated from Sadie V. Thompson High School in 1966 and served as student body president his senior year, later obtaining his bachelor's degree from Nova Southeastern University. After high school, he worked for General Motors in Flint, Michigan and was drafted into the Army where he served 28 years until retiring as a Chief Warrant Officer 4. Alvin confessed hope in Jesus Christ at 9 and was baptized by Pastors W. S. Scott and Levi Millen. He served at King Solomon Missionary Baptist Church until he...

Ruth Nelson Byrd, 95, passed away on Wednesday, March 10, 2021 at Brookdale Assisted Living. A graveside service will be held at 1:30 p.m. on Saturday, March 13, 2021 at Highland Cemetery. Ruth was a very active member of Bay Street Presbyterian Church. She retired as a guidance counselor from the Hattiesburg Public School System. In her spare time, she volunteered at Forrest General Hospital for many years and was active with the Daylily Society, and the Pinebelt Quilters. She is preceded in death by her parents, Sam and Ella Nelson; her twin brother, Jesse Nelson; and four sisters, Helen LeBlanc, Louise Cubley, Lena Gatlin, and Lois Silva. She is survived by her three daughters, Jane...

Theodore Erle Drane Nov. 11, 1934 - Mar. 2, 2021 NATCHEZ- A private family graveside service for Theodore Erle Drane, 86, of Natchez, MS, who died Tuesday, Mar. 2, 2021 at Hill Haven Nursing Home in Commerce, GA, will be at 12:30 p.m. at the National Cemetery in Natchez, MS. Erle Drane was born Nov. 11, 1934 in Natchez, MS, the son of Hayward Benton Drane and Louisa Sloan Drane. He was a graduate of Mississippi State University with membership in Omicron Delta Kappa (ODK) and Alpha Zeta (AZ) fraternities and received an International Farm Youth Exchange ambassadorship to India in 1956 sponsored by the National 4-H Foundation. In 1978 he earned his Master's Degree in Human Resources...

Alfreda Weaver DiStefano died peacefully on January 25, 2021. She was born in Dividing Ridge, Yalobusha County, Mississippi, on July 25, 1932 to the late Arthur Earl Weaver and Ivy Wheeler. Growing up in the Big Creek and Calhoun City communities, she later attended Mississippi State University graduating with an Elementary Education degree in 1954. After graduating, she moved to Natchez and lived with fellow teachers in an apartment on Clabber Alley behind the Malt Shop. Freda began her teaching career at the Natchez Institute and later taught at Cathedral School for 29 years where she was fondly known as "Mrs. D." She served as a long-time member and officer of the Daughters of the...

Evelyn "Gerry" Stern passed away at home in Dallas, TX on November 19, 2020 at the age of 90. Born in 1930 in Gadsden, AL, Gerry was the only child of Clyde and Ethel Stanfield. A child of the Depression, Gerry's family knew deprivation, and this and the early loss of her mother to mental illness shaped her character, leading her to become a quietly determined and stubbornly stoical adult. Her determination to make a better life led her to seek a professional education. Having graduated from Emma Sansom High School in 1948, Gerry left Gadsden for the Charity Hospital School of Nursing in New Orleans, from which she graduated as an RN in 1951. While in nursing school she met and fell in...

Claude Nelson Byrd Jr. died on Friday October 9, 2020, surrounded by loved ones, at Baptist Medical Center in Oxford, MS at the age of 78. Nelson is survived by his children Melanie and husband Mark Calhoun of Southaven MS, Debbie and husband Chris Rowan of New Albany MS, David Byrd of Saltillo MS, and their mother Carol Coker Byrd of New Albany MS. He is also survived by his brother John Harold Byrd of Covington LA. Nelson's grandchildren are David Calhoun, Angie (Daniel) Ray, Chris Calhoun, Emily Chastain, John Mark Calhoun, Anna Claire Calhoun, Carina Rowan, Christiana Rowan, Charlie Mac Rowan, and Caleb Rowan and 12 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents Claude...

Jonnie Georgean Henderson Till, 73, passed away on September 21, 2020 after battling cancer, at Asbury Hospice House, with her family by her side. Services will be Friday, September 25, 2020 at 1:30 P.M. at First Baptist Church of Purvis with an hour's visitation before, with burial to follow at Cherished Acres Cemetery. Originally from Magnolia, AR, Mrs. Till's family moved to Ferriday, LA, where she graduated from Ferriday High School in 1964 before graduating from Northwestern State College with a Bachelor's degree in Nursing in 1969. Mrs. Georgean married Willard Russell Till on June 29, 1969 in Ferriday before moving to Natchez, MS. She worked as a registered nurse at Jefferson Davis...