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.
Carolyn Jewel Southward
January 4, 2024
Carolyn Jewel Southward, 79, of Iuka, MS, died on Thursday, January 4, 2024, at North Mississippi Medical Center in Iuka. She enjoyed painting, singing gospel music, and attending gospel singings. Carolyn was a member of Paradise Church and, along with her husband, was instrumental in starting the Midway Volunteer Fire Department which she worked with for over 20 years....
Otha Mae Parrish
January 3, 2024
It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Otha Mae Meeks Parrish, a truly remarkable lady who touched the lives of many through her unwavering love and selfless dedication to others. On January 3, 2024, she peacefully departed this world to join her eternal resting place with Jesus.
Born at her Morris grandparents’ home...
Marlene Keith
January 3, 2024
Marlene Keith, 87, of Iuka, MS, died on Wednesday, January 3, 2024, at Southern Magnolia Estates. She enjoyed taking care of her flowers and her ferns. Marlene was a member of Mt. Glory Baptist church where she played the piano for over 50 years. She cherished the time spent with her family, especially the times when everyone was together...
Shirley Whitehurst
January 3, 2024
Shirley Whitehurst, 83, of Iuka, Mississippi, died on Wednesday, January 3, 2024, at Tishomingo Manor Nursing Home. Shirley was a member of Camp Ground United Methodist Church in Iuka and loved attending whenever she was able. In her free time, she enjoyed embroidering and quilting. Shirley is survived by her children, Michael Hurst, Deborah Smith, Debbie Gurley (Billy), Cynthia...
Clara Barlow King
January 2, 2024
Clara Barlow King of Iuka died Tuesday, January 2, 2024, at North Mississippi Medical Center in Tupelo following a fall in her home on Monday. Clara was born November 19, 1932, in Tula, MS and grew up on a farm with her parents and six brothers and sisters. During these early years is when she started cooking and baking...
Florence Lambert
January 2, 2024
Florence Russo Lambert, 93, a loving, caring soul, passed away January 2, 2024, at the Tishomingo Community Living Center in Iuka, Mississippi. Ms. Florence was born August 2, 1930, in Chicago, IL, to Peligreno and Carmella Russo, originally from Naples, Italy. Florence graduated from Lucy Flower High School in 1948. She then began working at Nabisco Co., where she...
Lynn Hester
January 1, 2024
Lynn Hester, 64, of Iuka, Mississippi, died on Monday, January 1, 2024, at the Sanctuary Hospice House in Tupelo. Lynn began his law enforcement career in the Tishomingo County Sheriff’s Department where he worked for over 10 years. After that, he became an E-911 dispatcher for Tishomingo County and held that career for 38 years. During that time, he...
Margaret Ruth Hubbard
December 30, 2023
Margaret Ruth White Hubbard, 78, passed away Saturday, December 30, 2023 at North Mississippi Medical Center. She was born September 27, 1945 in Tulsa, OK to Albert C. and Ruth White. She grew up in Houston, TX and that is where she met her husband, William Hubbard, originally from Iuka. They later moved to Iuka which is where they...
Rosa Lee Hamm Brown-Winfrey
December 29, 2023
Rosa Lee Hamm Brown-Winfrey, 76, of Burnsville, MS, passed away on Friday, December 29, 2023, at her residence. She enjoyed dancing, cooking, decorating her home, and working outside in her yard. She was a member of the Church of God in Christ, where she loved singing in the choir. Her family was her joy and she enjoyed spending as...
Walter Edward Spiecha
December 28, 2023
Walter Edward Spiecha, 84, born and raised in Carnegie, Pennsylvania, currently of Cherokee, AL, died on Thursday, December 28, 2023, at North Mississippi Medical Center in Iuka. After Walter graduated from Carnegie High School, he went on to receive a Bachelor of Science degree in metallurgical engineering from The University of Pittsburgh. He used his degree to start his...
Ronnie Lambert
December 22, 2023
Ronnie Lambert, 62, of Iuka, MS, passed away on Friday, December 22, 2023, at North Mississippi Medical Center in Tupelo. Ronnie enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren, Hudson and Hattie, and also spending time with his family. He loved his church family and serving the Lord. Ronnie also loved scraping and woodworking. He is survived by his wife, Trish...
Rev. William Perry Murphy
December 22, 2023
On December 22, 2023, Rev. William Perry Murphy’s number was called at the age of 98. Anytime he was asked what he was doing, he would always answer,” Waiting on my number to be called.” He is walking and talking with the Lord now. His final wish was for his granddaughter, Rita, to take care of his beloved fur-babies, Mitzi...
Pauline Burns Cox
December 21, 2023
Pauline Burns Cox, 95, of Iuka, MS, died on Thursday, December 21, 2023, at Tishomingo Manor Nursing Home. She enjoyed crocheting, making beaded jewelry, and sewing. Pauline was an avid bargain shopper and liked to listen to bluegrass and gospel music. She was a member of First Freewill Baptist Church. She was known for her world famous hush puppies,...
Jerrel Keele
December 16, 2023
Avis Jerrel Keele, 82, of Burnsville, Mississippi, died Saturday, December 16, 2023, at the North Mississippi Medical Center in Iuka. Born March 23, 1941, Jerrel was a jack-of-all-trades. He was a former timber cutter, helped to build the Tennessee-Tombigbee Waterway, and later retired from World Color in Corinth. Jerrel was an avid outdoorsman and was known to many as...
James G. Reed, Jr. "Knothead" "Popeye"
December 13, 2023
James G. Reed, Jr. "Knothead" "Popeye", 57, of Burnsville, MS, passed away on Wednesday, December 13, 2023. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, and spending time with his grandchildren. He is survived by his children, Kimberly Taylor (Blake), Raylene Blake (Eric), Tabitha Prine (Brent), and James "Trey" Reed, III; his grandchildren, Elissa, Jadyn, Jayce, Trevor, Tristan, Bayleigh, Madison, Travis, Miley, Laythan,...
Gerald Wade Crowe
December 12, 2023
Gerald Wade Crowe, 50, of Iuka, MS, passed away on Tuesday, December 12, 2023 in Virginia. He enjoyed riding his RZR, fixing cars and boats, taking boat rides, and enjoying different foods. He loved his family dearly and enjoyed spending time with them. He is survived by his wife, Bobbie Crowe; his children, Matthew Crowe (Christine), Alisha Fisk (Ben),...
James Edgar Wadkins
December 11, 2023
James Edgar Wadkins, 78, of Savannah, TN, passed away on Monday, December 11, 2023, at Magnolia Regional Health Center, surrounded by family. He was born on June 21, 1945 in Iuka, MS. He graduated from Iuka High School in 1965. James enjoyed tinkering, welding, and doing carpentry. He was excellent when it came to working with his hands. He...
Frankie Puckett
December 9, 2023
Frankie Puckett, 69, of Tuscumbia, Alabama, died on Saturday, December 9, 2023, at North Mississippi Medical Center in Tupelo, MS. Frankie was a Christian by faith and loved adventure, great food, his family, and God. There were many different seasons of his life including iron working, logging, and trucking. Throughout his years, he also enjoyed duck hunting, fishing, antique...
Bro. Jimmy Robinson
December 8, 2023
Bro. Jimmy Robinson, 77, of Cullman, AL, died on Friday, December 8, 2023, at his residence. Jimmy enjoyed any and all things to do with Alabama Crimson Tide Football. He also enjoyed hunting and fishing. His family, especially his grandchildren, were his pride and joy. Jimmy was a minister from 1967 until his passing. He enjoyed doing revivals and...
Martha Farris Austin
December 8, 2023
Martha Farris Austin, 94, passed away peacefully on Friday, December 8, 2023. She was born in Tishomingo County on August 9, 1929. She was a devoted mother, sister, and grandmother. She was the last surviving child of Martha and Albert Farris. Martha is survived by her son Paul Farris Austin (Dustin Davis Austin); her grandson, Nathaniel Austin; and her...