OBITUARIES
Recent Obituaries in Mississippi
The obituaries in the Tishomingo County and Alcorn County area reflect the region's diverse population, featuring individuals from a variety of ethnic, religious, and cultural backgrounds. Some were pioneers in their fields, while others dedicated their lives to community service or philanthropy. Their stories serve as a reminder of the richness and complexity of Mississippi's history and identity.
Nelson Johnson
February 24, 2026
Nelson Johnson, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, passed away on February 24, 2026, at the age of 86 in his hometown of Iuka, Mississippi. Born on September 15, 1939, Nelson was known for his warm heart and generous spirit, always ready to lend a hand to anyone in need.
Nelson was the proud owner of Johnson Custom Building, where...
William Edward "Bill" LeMay, Sr.
February 23, 2026
William Edward LeMay, Sr., 90, of Iuka, MS, passed away peacefully February 23rd, 2026. He was born in Memphis, TN, on May 28th, 1935.
Bill graduated from South Side High School (Scrappers) in 1953 and was an active member of the Scrappers Club. He spent many years working hard to provide for his family through work with the Missouri Pacific Railroad...
Bette Dean Welch
February 14, 2026
Bette Dean Welch, 87, passed away peacefully at her home on Saturday, February 14, 2026. Bette was born to Alfred and Clara Dean on August 6, 1938, in Iuka. She was a member of Trinity Baptist Church.
Bette is survived by her son, Mike Welch (Edwina); and her granddaughter, ReAnna Barnes (Jeromy). She was preceded in death by her husband, Charles...
Roe Arnold
February 13, 2026
Roe Arnold, affectionately known as "Decoy," passed away on February 13, 2026, in his hometown of Iuka, Mississippi. Born on October 12, 1962, Roe was a beloved member of his community and a dedicated boilermaker for over 20 years. He graduated from Iuka High School and pursued further education at Northeast Mississippi Junior College, where he earned a degree in...
Benjamin Franklin Burns, III
February 12, 2026
Benjamin Franklin Burns III, known to many as Ben, was born on July 31, 1959, in Florence, Alabama. He passed away on February 12, 2026, at Sanctuary Hospice House in Tupelo, Mississippi. Ben was the owner of Rushing Drugs, Burnsville Discount Drugs, and Tupelo Family Pharmacy. He truly loved serving his customers and community and did so faithfully for many years....
Clayton Earl Hobbs, Jr.
February 12, 2026
Clayton Earl Hobbs, Jr. was born on May 27, 1952, in Iuka, Mississippi. He passed away peacefully at his home with his loved ones surrounding him on February 12, 2026.
Earl was a proud outdoorsman who loved hunting and fishing. His passion for the great outdoors brought joy not only to him but also to those lucky enough to share these...
Rita Gorski
February 10, 2026
Rita Gorski, a beloved mother, devoted homemaker, and cherished friend, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, February 10, 2026, at St. Louis University Hospital. Born on December 30, 1928, in Chicago, Illinois, Rita lived a life enriched by love and service to her family and community.
Rita dedicated several years of her career as an administrative secretary before embracing her role as...
Wanda Marie Wright
February 9, 2026
Wanda Marie Wright, 71, of Burnsville, Mississippi, passed away Monday, February 9, 2026, at her son’s home surrounded by family. Wanda was a fantastic woman and an even better mother and wife. She took great pride in her family, was very present and supportive, and was always there for them in any way she could be, every chance she got....
Diane Gaye Delong
February 9, 2026
Diane Gaye Delong, 77, of Iuka, Mississippi, died on Monday, February 9, 2026, at Magnolia Regional Health Center in Corinth. Diane, in her own words, was a tough old bird. Before retiring, she dabbled in many different careers, but her favorite was the truck driving she did for over 20 years. It took her all over the country and helped...
Catherine Gentle
February 8, 2026
Catherine Gentle, a beloved soul who never met a stranger, passed away peacefully in her hometown of Iuka, Mississippi, on February 8, 2026, at the age of 87. Born on May 25, 1938, she embraced life with a warm heart that touched the many lives she encountered.
Catherine's love for music was a defining part of her existence. A gifted pianist,...
Nan Lyles
January 31, 2026
Nan Allen Lyles, 89, of Iuka Mississippi, passed away on January 31, 2026, at North Mississippi Medical Center in Tupelo Mississippi. Mrs. Lyles was born on April 4, 1936, in Calhoun County, MS, to Elliott and Zelma Sprayberry Allen. She was a devoted member of Iuka Baptist Church and lived a life grounded in faith, service, and love for her...
Fredrick Marlar
January 29, 2026
Fredrick Marlar, a retired carpenter, was born on May 23, 1942, in Farner, Tennessee. He passed away at his residence in Glen, MS, on January 29, 2026. Fredrick led a life dedicated to his craft as a carpenter and his family, leaving behind cherished memories for those who knew him.
He is survived by his daughter, Mari Carla Mullins, and his...
Etta Annell Hughes
January 27, 2026
Etta Annell Hughes, 87, of Corinth, Mississippi, passed away on Tuesday, January 27, 2026, at her home. Annell was gifted in many ways that shined through her life. She was an incredibly talented seamstress that often made clothes for not only herself and her family, but for others as well. She was skilled with art and often crafted in her...
Tim "Batman" Steele
January 25, 2026
Tim Steele, affectionately known as "Batman," passed away on January 25, 2026, in Iuka, MS. He was born on October 19, 1952, in Florence, Alabama. Tim had a rich life filled with interests that brought him joy, including genealogy and researching his family tree, as well as his passion for HAM radios and CB radios. He also enjoyed reading, which...
Donald Ray "Donnie" Calton
January 22, 2026
Donald Ray "Donnie" Calton, a proud veteran of the United States Army, passed away on Thursday, January 22, 2026, at the age of 89. Donnie was one of the most honest and kind men you could ever meet. After his time in the Army, he spent 33 years at Wurlitzer constructing organs and 11 years at Quartet building office supplies....
Stephen Alan Campbell
January 21, 2026
Stephen Alan Campbell, 83, passed away peacefully on January 21, 2026. He was a man who valued hard work, excellence and always doing it right if you were going to do it all. He loved his people, even if he didn’t say it often. He was a force who instilled integrity and drive in his children. He was loved.
Steve was...
Carrel Stricklen
January 18, 2026
Clifford Carrel Stricklen, age 84, of Burnsville, Mississippi, passed away at his home on “Stricklen Hill” on Sunday, January 18, 2026. Carrel was born in Burnsville and, as a young teenager, traveled to Chicago with his twin brother, Harold, in search of work. While in Chicago, he met his wife, raised three sons, and developed his lifelong craft in carpentry....
Gerald D Hopkins
January 17, 2026
Gerald D. Hopkins, 85, of Iuka, MS passed away on Saturday, January 17, 2026, at North Mississippi Medical Center in Iuka. Gerald was employed for many years at Ford Motor Company. He was also a member of the United States Airforce. He is survived by his wife, Peggy Jean Wilson Hopkins; his son, Jeffrey Dwain Hopkins; his granddaughter, Kelly Richardson...
Helen McAnally
January 15, 2026
Mary Helen McAnally, beloved mother, grandmother, and faithful servant of the Lord, went to be home with her Savior on January 15, 2026, at the age of 91. Her life was a steadfast reflection of her unwavering faith. She leaves behind a legacy of love and strength that has always guided her family and will continue for generations to come....
Joy Parsons Bitterman
January 9, 2026
Joy Parsons Bitterman, 93, of Iuka, MS, passed away on Friday, January 9, 2026, at Tishomingo Manor Nursing Home. Joy enjoyed working in her yard, especially with her flowers. She also liked to sew, attending church services, and local singings. She is survived by her brother, Joe Parsons (Becky; and a host of nieces, nephews, and friends. She was preceded...

