William B. Hoing

Randolph

William B. Hoing, 84, died Monday, Feb. 23, 2009, at the Sanctuary Hospice House in Tupelo. He was a Catholic, a retired farmer and a veteran of World War II.

Services were Thursday, Feb. 26, at St. Christopher Catholic Church in Pontotoc with Father Tim Murphy officiating. Burial followed in Glascow Cemetery. Browning Funeral Home of Pontotoc was in charge of the arrangements.

Survivors include his wife, Evelyn Houpt Hoing; two daughters, Mary (Ricky) Holley and Paula (Al) Hanskiewicz; seven sons, Clarence (Cleo), Billy (Marilyn), Terry (Brenda), Kenny (Wilma), Barney, Tim (Sonia) and Michael (Missy); a daughter-in-law, Ko Hoing; a dear friend and orphan brother, Frank Noble; 19 grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Barney McNain and Olive Hoing; one son, Wayne; one grandson, James Matthew; one granddaughter, Anna Marie; and one brother, Thelbert Hoing.

Pallbearers were Ricky Hoing, Nathan Hoing, Galen Holley, Kyle Holley, Kevin Hoing and Daniel Hoing.

Honorary pallbearers were Alex Hoing, Andrew Hanskiewicz and Spencer Hanskiewicz.

Cordie Ferguson

Randolph

Cordie Ferguson, 91, died Sunday, March 1, 2009, at her home. She was born Aug. 16, 1917. She retired from Rivera Shirt Factory after 35 years. She was a merchant and co-owner of Buckhorn General Store. She also was employed by Washington General Store for five years. She was a lifelong member of Hopewell Baptist Church.

Services will be at 2 p.m. Wednesday at Tutor Memorial Funeral Home Chapel in Pontotoc with Bro. Junior Ritchie and Bro. Donald Austin officiating. Burial will be in Indian Creek Cemetery.

Survivors include her children, Hershell and Sue Ferguson, and Carolyn and Johnny Logan, all of Randolph; grandchildren, Randy and Candy Ferguson of West Point, Rick and Lisa Ferguson of Randolph, Steve Ferguson of Atlanta, Ga., Staci and Bart Evans of Clinton, Mike and Lorye Logan of Hurricane, John and Laura Logan of Randolph, Kristy and Marty Warren of Pontotoc, Susie and Jerry Morgan of Okolona, Pamela Christopher of Okolona; great-grandchildren, Lane Ferguson, Lee Ferguson, Shea Ferguson, Jacob Ferguson, Rilee Evans, Ramsee Evans, Briana Logan, Dani Logan, Gerry Logan Jr., Koby Logan, John Logan Jr., Will Priest, Lacey Logan, West Warren, Joey Crane, Jenny Russell, Emily Sullivan and Daphne Fowler; great-great-grandchildren, Aubrey Logan, Abby and Olivia Crane, Emma Kate and Suzanne Russell, Lake and Reed Sullivan, and Lilly, Lige and Logan Fowler.

She was preceded in death by her husband, H.E. Ferguson Sr.; one sister, Annie Conlee; and one grandson, Gary Lynn Logan.

Grandsons and great-grandsons will serve as pallbearers.

Visitation will be from noon to 2 p.m. Wednesday.

Jimmy Crumpton

Blue Springs

James Albert “Jimmy” Crumpton, 47, died Saturday, Feb. 28, 2009, at his home. Arrangements are incomplete and will be announced later by McBride Funeral Home in Ripley. Visitation will be from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home.

Gerald Robuck

Paris

Gerald Richard Robuck, 84, died Friday, Feb. 27, 2009, at Baptist Memorial Hospital in Oxford. He was born April 17, 1924, in Oakman, Ala. He was a retired trainmaster for Frisco Railroad. He was a master sergeant in the U.S. Army during World War II. He was a member of the First Baptist Church of Bruce, the NRA and the VFW. He supported the Baptist Children's Home in Jackson, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital and the National Republican Party.

Services were Sunday, March 1, at Parker Memorial Funeral Home Chapel in Bruce with Dr. Charles Nestor officiating. Burial was in the Mt. Moriah Cemetery in Bruce.

Survivors include four daughters, Rebecca Robuck of Ashland, Evon Honnoll (David) of Columbus, Beth Robuck of Germantown, Tenn., and Molly Cooper (Duane) of Horn Lake; one brother, Ray Robuck of Pontotoc; one sister, Sue Stock of Sydney, Australia; 10 grandchildren, Trina Thompson, Jennifer Shoup, Brandon Parham, Jason Honnoll, Derek Honnoll, Melissa Adams, Melanie Dansby, Sebastian Rios, Jamy Dodds and Sara Dodds; 11 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Chloe Lavonia Brasher Robuck, in 1999; his parents, William Bruce Robuck Jr. and Nanny Sue Wages Robuck.

Pallbearers were his grandsons: Jason Honnoll, Derek Honnoll, Sebastian Rios, Brandon Parham, David Honnoll, Duane Cooper, Jerry Thompson and Trey Shoup.

Honorary pallbearers were Dr. Cooper McIntosh and the Adult Men's Sunday School Class at Bruce First Baptist Church.

James A. Phillips

Pontotoc

James Allen Phillips, 52, died Monday, March 2, 2009, at the North Mississippi Medical Center after a brief illness. He was born July 18, 1956, in Tupelo to Jimmy and Shirley Ann Scruggs Phillips. He graduated from Itawamba Community College. Before his health failed, he was a computer technician for BancorpSouth. He moved to Pontotoc about eight years ago after living 44 years in Lee County. He was a member of Belden Baptist Church. He loved reading, watching T.V. movies and his dog, Maggie.

Services were Tuesday, March 3, at the Tupelo Chapel of Holland-Harris Funeral Directors with Bro. Jim Holcomb officiating. Private burial was in the Belden Cemetery.

Survivors include his caregiver and best friend, Ida Hogue of Pontotoc; a special friend, Bobby Brady of Pontotoc.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and by his wife and child in a car accident many years ago.

Memorials may be made to the Belden Cemetery Fund, 127 Fern Ridge, Tupelo, MS 38804.

Mamie Easterling

Blue Springs

Mamie Easterling, 100, died Thursday, Feb. 26, 2009, at the Baldwyn Nursing Facility. She was born Feb. 3, 1909. She was the oldest member of Beech Springs Baptist Church. She enjoyed quilting, gardening and flowers.

Services were Saturday, Feb. 28, at Waters Funeral Home in Baldwyn with Bro. Felix Hutcheson Jr. officiating. Burial was in the Jones Cemetery.

Survivors include two sons, Larry Easterling (Lucy) of Blue Springs and Charles Easterling of New Albany; six grandchildren, Margaret Miller, Amanda Parker, Rhonda Gadd, Jeff Easterling, March Easterling and Jackie Easterling; 14 great-grandchildren and six great-great-grandchildren; a special friend, Toni Smith.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Raymond Easterling; a sister, Joyce Roberts; and her parents, Tom and Gertrude Miller.

Pallbearers were Larry Campbell, Anthony Parker, Steve Harris, Jeff Easterling, Mark Easterling, Glenn Williams and Jerry Timmons.

Charlie Lepard

Victoria

Charlie T. Lepard, 69, died Saturday, Feb. 28, 2009, at the North Mississippi Medical Center in Tupelo. He was born Jan. 20, 1940, in Memphis, Tenn., to the late David Green Lepard and Vera Hopkins Lepard. He was a retired Truck Driver for Browns Trucking in Memphis, Tenn.

Services were Tuesday, March 3, at Serenity Funeral Home Chapel in New Albany with Bro. Buddy Gordon and Bro. Joe Tutor officiating. Burial was in the Vista Cemetery. Serenity Funeral Home of New Albany wa in charge of the arrangements.

Survivors include his son, Keith Lepard (Brenda) of Pontotoc; four daughters, Debbie Lepard, Pam Clark and Donna Rhea (Tim), all of New Albany and Shelly Betts (Ken) of Pontotoc; two brothers, Raymond Lepard and Bud Lepard of Victoria; five sisters, Peggy Rainey of Ripley, Shirley Trotter and Betty Campbell of Victoria, Bobby Courtney of Red Banks and Ruby Marise of Corning, Ark.; 11 grandchildren; 9 great-grandchildren; and one special grandson, Richard Lepard.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Jo Ann Lepard; a brother, Randell Lepard; and two grandchildren, Alexdra Lepard and Cory Rhynes.

Pallbearers were Scott West, Richard Lepard, Billy Jack Rodgers, Rodney Rhynes, Brandon Rodgers and Eddie Gorton.

Dustin Jeter served as honorary pallbearer.

Ozzie Mae Cruse

Okolona

Ozie Mae Webster Cruse, 89, died Tuesday, Feb. 24, 2009, at Sanctuary Hospice House in Tupelo. A native of Lamar County, Ala., she was born on Oct. 29, 1919, to Leroy Webster and Luria Mae Dobins Webster. She had lived 75 years in the Egypt community Chickasaw County. She was employed for over 35 years as a seamstress at Delta Trousers/Indian Creek Apparel in Okolona. She was a homemaker and a longtime member of the Egypt Baptist Church. She enjoyed gardening, canning, her flowers, cooking, raveling, and visiting with family and friends on the phone.

Services were Thursday, Feb. 26, at the Okolona Chapel of Holland-Harris Funeral Directors with Bro. Dale Car officiating. Burial was in Boone’s Chapel Cemetery.

Survivors include two daughters, Marie McComb (Bobby) of Pontotoc and Janie May (Glen) of Okolona; one daughter-in-law, Patsy Cruse of Koscuisko; one sister, Lucy Orrender of Mt. Washington, Ky.; seven grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild; a host of nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Jams “Dodd” Cruse Sr. on Feb. 13, 1992; a son, James Cruse Jr., on May 27, 2003; and six siblings, Gay, Fletcher, Ormond, Herschel, Dewitt and Edd Webster.

Pallbearers were her grandsons and great-grandsons, Shane May, Michael May, Harold McComb, Andrew McComb, Eddie McComb, Cassidy McComb, Kip Cruse and Matthew Cruse.

Memorials may be made to Sanctuary Hospice House, P.O. Box 2177, Tupelo, MS,38801.

John H. Whitworth

Millbrook, N.Y.

John H. Whitworth Jr.,75, succumbed to cancer after a long illness on February 18, 2009, in Millbrook, NY. He was born in Pontotoc, Mississippi on August 13, 1933. A graduate of the University of Mississippi and the University of Mississippi Law School, he was a retired partner of the law firm of Dewey & LeBoeuf. A member of the Knickerbocker Club, the Millbrook Garden Club and a former member of the Millbrook Hunt, he is survived by his sister, Helen Whitworth Odom, his nieces, Anna Whitworth Schoonover and Virginia Odom McKay and his nephew, Hendon Jerome Whitworth. The service was held at St. Peters Church, Deep Hollow Road, Millbrook, N., Friday, February 27th. Memorial donations may be made in John's memory to The (Jack) Russell Foundation, Inc. (501c3), PO Box 725, Rhinebeck, NY, 12572 and/or to St. Peters Outreach Programs, PO Box 1502, Millbrook, NY 12545. Arrangements were entrusted to Allen Funeral Home.

Hugh C. Roberts

Fairview

Hugh C. Roberts, 88, died Friday, Feb. 27, 2009, at his residence in the Fairview Community located between Fulton and Red Bay. He was born Oct. 28, 1920 in Marion County, Ala. to the late Chester and Estelle Justice Roberts. He was a longtime resident of Itawamba County and a member of Tremont Baptist Church. He was a retired farmer and factory worker.

Services were Tuesday, March 3, at the Kesler Funeral Home Chapel in Baldwyn with Rev. Ricky Parks officiating. Rev. Charlie Gainey, Laura Swords and Kami Swords Riddle brought comfort in music and song. A private burial was in the Salem Baptist Church Cemetery with services held by Ronny Kesler and Shirley Franks of Kesler Funeral Home. Kesler Funeral Home of Baldwyn was in charge of the arrangements.

Survivors include his wife of 63 years, Myrtle Presley Roberts; one daughter, Irene Roberts Parks of Fairview; three grandsons, Michael Roberts and Ken Parks (Jeanie), both of Fairview and David Parks (Angie) of Blue Springs; one great-granddaughter, Britney Parks of Blue Springs; special friend who helped take care of him and considered to be a part of his family, Ferrel Swords of Fairview; one brother, Horace Roberts (Ruth) of Fairview; one sister, Nellie Cantrell of Fulton; and one sister-in-law, Pauline Roberts of Ill.

He was preceded in death by his parents; one son-in-law, Gerald Parks; one brother, Hollis Roberts; four sisters, Lucille, Edith and Ruby Roberts and Eunice Biddle.

Ronnie Makamson

Maben

Ronnie Lee Makamson, 51, died Tuesday, Feb. 24, 2009, in Franklin, Ky. He was born Dec. 16, 1957, in Clarksdale. He was a truck driver and a member of Self Creek Baptist Church in Oktibbeha County.

Services were Saturday, February 28, at Double Springs Baptist Church in Oktibbeha County with Bro. Nick Cannady officiating. Burial was in Double Springs Baptist Cemetery. Olive Funeral Home of Eupora was in charge of the arrangements.

Survivors include his wife, Euvette Makamson of Maben; his mother, Catherine Makamson of Pontotoc; five daughters, Felicia Tiggs of Dalehart, Texas, Carol Newett of Charleston, S.C., Vivian Tuck of Maben, Susan Makamson of Ackerman and Michelle Doyen of Pomeroy, Iowa; two sons, Richard Miller of Floral City, Fla., and Robert Miller of Ackerman; three brothers, Lynn Makamson of Southaven, Jimmy Makamson of Pontotoc and Charles Vaught of Corinth; 18 grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his father, H.A. Makamson, and a brother, Robert.

Mary Pannell

Tupelo

Mary Evelyn Pannell, 84, died Tuesday, Feb. 24, 2009, at the North Mississippi Medical Center after a brief illness. A native of Lee County and a longtime resident of Tupelo, she was born Jan. 8, 1925, to William Lewis and Sadie Mae McKissick Smith. She was a retired employee of Leggett and Platt where she worked for 10 years. She married Ronald G. Pannell in October 1944. She loved visits from her family, family get-togethers and family outings. She was dedicated to her telephone ministry. She was a member of Union Baptist Church of Plantersville.

Services were Friday, Feb. 27, at the Jefferson Street Chapel of W.E. Pegues with the Rev. Ronald E. Pannell and the Rev. Gary Pannell officiating. Burial was in New Harmony Cemetery in Union County.

Survivors include five children, Jean Huckaby Hendrix (Dan) of Baldwyn, Ronald E. Pannell (Brenda) of Nettleton, Dianne Curry (Jim) of Eggville, Linda Brown of Pontotoc and Gary P. Pannell (Sarah) of Ecru; three sisters, Mae Demuse (Wayne) and Louise Maloof, both of Washington, Ga., and Emily Lamons (David) of the Auburn community; three brothers, Kenneth Smith (Evelyn) of Crystal Springs, Fla., Douglas Smith (Margaret) of Plantersville and Tommy Smith (Dara) of Pontotoc; 14 grandchildren, 26 great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild.

She was preceded in death by her husband; her parents; one child, Baby Pannell; one grandchild, Timothy Huckaby; two brothers, James A. Smith and Charles Smith; one brother-in-law, John Maloof; and one son-in-law, Buddy Huckaby.

Pallbearers were Randy Huckaby, Harvey Mallette Jr., Ronnie Pan

Dr. Frances J. McGuffee

Huntsville

Dr. Frances J. McGuffee, 91, of Huntsville, passed away peacefully Wednesday, February 25, 2009. Dr. McGuffee was born in Pontotoc. She graduated from Pontotoc High School and was a retired Mississippi College professor. She received her B.S. degree from Miss. State College for Women in Columbus, Masters from the University of Tennessee, and Doctorate from Texas Women’s University. She began her career at Mississippi College in 1942. She was instrumental in the formulation of the course of study for a major in Home Economics and guided the formation of the Department of Home Economics as Department Chair from 1965 until her retirement in 1984. She was the first female department chair at Mississippi College. In 2001 Dr. McGuffee was honored with the order of the Golden Arrow, The College’s highest award, by Mississippi College.

Dr. McGuffee was preceded in death by her parents, Lee and Maude Jackson, husband, Walter McGuffee and sister, Nell Lancaster.

She is survived by her sister Imogene Jackson, daughter Linda McGuffee, nephews Jim Lancaster (Cindy,) Harold Lancaster (Candy) and Charles Lancaster.

Funeral services were held Monday, March 2, at Lakewood Funeral Home in Jackson, Miss., with the Rev. Bill Baker officiating. Burial was in Clinton Cemetery in Clinton, Miss.

Memorials may be made to your favorite charity.

Ruth Mae Fitzpatrick

Grand Rapids, Mich.

Ruth Mae Fitzpatrick, 95, formerly of Pontotoc, died Friday, Feb. 13, 2009, in Grand Rapids, Mich. She was born Oct. 3, 1913, to William and Luegen Crawford. She was a former member of Usher Valley United Methodist Church in Pontotoc.

Services were held Friday, Feb. 20, in Grand Rapids. Kenneth I. Roberson Funeral Home of Pontotoc was in charge of Local arrangements.

Survivors include one son, William (Dorothy) Fitzpatrick of Grand Rapids; 27 grandchildren and 104 great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband, George Fitzpatrick; four children, Ossie Lee Garret, Estelle Wilson, Robert Fitzpatrick and Slettie Bee Wilson; and three grandchildren, Mahaley Foote, John Howard Wilson and William Fitzpatrick Jr.

Travis Blaylock

Chalmette, La.

Travis Paul Blaylock, 58, formerly of Pontotoc, died Tuesday, Feb. 24, 2009, in New Albany. He loved attending gun and knife shows, hunting, antique car show, and spending time with his friends and family.

Services were Thursday, Feb. 26, at Carey Springs Baptist Church with Bro. Junior Ritchie officiating. Burial was in Carey Springs Cemetery at Randolph. Tutor Memorial Funeral Home of Pontotoc was in charge of the arrangements.

Survivors include two brothers, Dana Blaylock (Silvia) of Napa, Calif., and Neal Blaylock of Chalmette, La.; one nephew, Oliver Blaylock of Napa, Calif.; three aunts, Norma Arndt (Harold), Vara Waldo (J.D.) and Ara Luttrell (Jim Tom); one uncle, Forrest Tutor (Janis); special cousins and caregivers, Darryl, Beth and Selina Waldo, and Jacob Mapp; and a host of cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents, O.P. and Marie Tutor Blaylock; his grandparents, Harvel and Cleo Tutor, and Orson and Ora Blaylock; an aunt, Zona Erring; and a special cousin, Brian Waldo.

Pallbearers were Darryl Waldo, Jeffrey Waldo, Kirby Sewell, Jay Wes Moore, and Tommy and Tanner Luttrell.

Honorary pallbearers were Jacob Mapp, Neal Blaylock, Jacob Waldo and Trae Luttrell.

Memorials may be made to the Rheumatoid Arthritis Foundation.

Maylene Barnes

Bruce

Maylene Barnes, 92, died Friday, Feb. 27, 2009, at Calhoun Health Services in Calhoun City. She was born Aug. 10, 1916, in Houlka. She was a dental assistant and a member of the First Baptist Church in Bruce.

Services were Monday, March 2, at Parker Memorial Funeral Home Chapel in Bruce with the Rev. James Taylor officiating. Burial was in Memory Memorial Garden in Bruce.

Survivors include one daughter, Shirley Barnes Lundy (Ron) of Bruce; two sisters, Marie Nichols of Portland, Ore.; three grandchildren, Jana Lynn Lundy Haggerty (Mike) of New Jersey, Fred Ronald Lundy Jr. (Susan) and Delynn Barnes of Arizona; four great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Ernest H. Barnes; and her parents, Eligah Lowrey and Alma Funderburg Lowrey.

Pallbearers were Jack Woodson, Ralph Barnes, Trent Long, Gene Clark, Rad Clark, Jim Cowsert and John Benton Long.

Honorary pallbearers were Terry Martin, Ron Lundy Jr., Mike Haggerty, Carl Hayles and David Hinoiosa.