OBITUARIES

Mainard Rederra "Derrick" Winn, 62

Mainard Rederra "Derrick" Winn, 62

Jun 27, 2026

Mr. Mainard Rederrick "Derrick" Winn passed away on June 27, 2026

He joined Zionell CME Church at an early age. He attended McLaurin and Magee High School, where he received his diploma from Magee High School, Magee, MS. After high school, he joined the military. He was a Specialist 4 in the Army National Guard. He was multi-talented and loved fishing...

Katie Bell Crosby, 80

Katie Bell Crosby, 80

Jun 26, 2026

Mrs. Katie Bell Crosby, 80, passed away on Friday, June 26, 2026.

She was a cherished daughter, a devoted mother, an adoring grandmother, and a faithful servant of God. At only 12 years old, she faithfully served as a Sunday School teacher, a ministry she carried with dedication throughout the years. She served faithfully as a missionary, sharing God's love through...

Reverend James Rankin

Reverend James Rankin

Jun 26, 2026

Funeral services for Bishop James Rankin Sr., who passed away at the age of 78 on June 29, 2026, were solemnly held on July 5, 2026, at Mount Olive High School's Multipurpose Building in Mount Olive, MS. The interment followed at Still Waters Baptist Church Cemetery, with Pastor James Aaron Rankin Jr., his son, delivering the eulogy. Arrangements were managed...

Richard Leon Pope, 72

Richard Leon Pope, 72

Jun 22, 2026

Mr. Richard "Barnabas" Leon Pope, 72, passed away on June 22, 2026, at Hillcrest Nursing Facility, Magee, MS.

Mr. Pope was known for his infectious sense of humor and his ability to bring a smile to anyone's face. He treasured his family, and his love, strength, and joyful spirit will continue to live on in the hearts of all who knew...

Boyd McLaurin

Boyd McLaurin

Jun 6, 2026

Mr. Boyd McLaurin passed away on June 6, 2026, at Forrest General Hospital in Hattiesburg, MS.

Mr. McLaurin moved to Erie, PA in 1954 and lived there with his family for over thirteen years. He later returned to Mississippi where he worked with Sanderson Farms until his retirement. Known fondly as the "Southern Blues" man, he had a deep love for...

Kingston Amir Magee

Kingston Amir Magee

May 30, 2026

Infant Kingston Amir Magee, 23 days, Collins, MS, was born on May 7, 2026, at Covington County Hospital, Collins, and later transferred to UMMC, Jackson, MS, where he passed away on May 30, 2026. Infant Kingston was a blessing placed softly into the arms of his parents. He changed the lives of those he touched forever. The family is forever...

Linda Katherine Duckworth

Linda Katherine Duckworth

May 24, 2026

Ms. Linda Katherine "Sister" Duckworth, 74, Mount Olive, MS, passed away on May 24, 2026, at Forrest General Hospital, Hattiesburg, MS.

She lived a life rooted in faith, compassion, strength, and devotion to family. She was a proud alumna of Lincoln Heights and known for her warm spirit, loving heart, and unwavering love for those around her.

She was preceded in death...

Larene McGowan Keyes, 67

Larene McGowan Keyes, 67

May 18, 2026

Mrs. Lorene McGowan Keyes, 67, Taylorsville, MS, passed away on May 18, 2026, at the University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS.

She was employed at Warm Craft, Taylorsville, MS, for many years. She was a compassionate and loving mother and very supportive to everyone she met.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Kevin Keyes, and her mother, Geneva McGowan.

Survivors...

Willie Mae Jones

Willie Mae Jones

May 18, 2026

Mrs. Willie Mae Jones, 88, passed away at Forrest General Hospital, Hattiesburg, MS, on May 18, 2026.

She attended local schools, forming the foundational values of community, family, and hard work that would define her entire life.

Mrs. Jones spent her life dedicated to caring for others, always prioritizing the needs, comfort, and happiness of her loved ones and neighbors above her...

Norleeet Haynes Pickering

Norleeet Haynes Pickering

May 9, 2026

Mrs. Norfleet Haynes Pickering, 96, Taylorsville, MS, passed away on May 9, 2026.

Mrs. Pickering was a lifelong member of New Hopewell MBC. She was a member of the church choir and a member of Heroine of Jericho and actively participated 9i the Mission work of the church. She was an outstanding quilter and domestic worker for many years.

She was preceded...

Archie Smith, 76

Archie Smith, 76

May 3, 2026

Mr. Archie Smith, 76, Mount Olive, MS, passed away on May 2, 2026.

He was reared in Covington County and received his early education and graduated from McLaurin Attendance Center, Magee, MS. He attended Mississippi Valley State University in Itta Bena, MS, where he graduated and prepared himself for a life of service, responsibility, and hard work. He began his career...

Ruby Stewart, 72

Ruby Stewart, 72

Apr 28, 2026

Mrs. Ruby Jean Ballard Stewart, 72, Collins, MS, passed away on April 28, 2026, at Forrest General Hospital, Hattiesburg, MS.

She was a devoted wife, mother, daughter, and friend whose life was marked by hard work, resilience, and deep love for her family. She dedicated many years of service at Jewel's Grocery, Chicago, IL. After relocating to Mississippi, she continued her...

Gladys Blackwell, 85

Gladys Blackwell, 85

Apr 26, 2026

Mrs. Gladys Chinney Mae Blackwell, 85, passed away on April 25, 2026. at Wesley Merit Health Hospital, Hattiesburg, MS.

Mrs. Blackwell joined Dry Ridge Missionary Baptist Church at an early age and remained there for many years; later joining The True Holiness Church, Mount Olive, MS., where she was a faithful member and Mother of the church.

She was preceded in death...

Carolyn Nobles Doby, 68

Carolyn Nobles Doby, 68

Apr 25, 2026

Mrs. Carolyn Nobles Doby, 68, passed away on Saturday, April 23, 2026.

Mrs. Doby was a graduate of Mendenhall High School, Mendenhall, MS. After graduation, she began her career at Magee Apparel and later transitioned to Hillcrest Nursing Center until her retirement.

She was one of Jehovah's Witnesses, and her faith was a guiding force throughout her life. She grew spiritually, found...

Aaron Leroy Magee, 73

Aaron Leroy Magee, 73

Apr 12, 2026

Mr. Aaron Leroy Magee, 73, passed away on April 12, 2026, at Bedford Care Facility, Hattiesburg, MS.

He was a lifelong member of Mt. Pleasant CME Church. He is a graduate of Mount Olive Attendance Center, Mount Olive. He continued his education at Phillips College, Gulfport, with a major in TV repair.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Leroy Magee...

Gloria Jean Smith Graves, 67

Gloria Jean Smith Graves, 67

Apr 10, 2026

Mrs. Gloria Jean Smith Graves, 67, passed away at her residence on April 10, 2026.

Mrs. Graves attended Mount Olive Attendance Center. She enjoyed working as a personal Certified Nursing Assistant( CNA) in private homes and often spoke fondly of her patients. She loved to decorate the outside and inside of her home. She loved to shop and was an avid...

Douglas Hall, 61

Douglas Hall, 61

Apr 9, 2026

Mr. Douglas E. (Pete) Hall, 61, Hempstead, AR( formerly of Mount Olive, MS), passed away on April 16, 2026, in Texarkana, TX at Christus St. Michael Hospital.

He was preceded in death by his father, Emmit Hall, Jt.

Survivors include his mother, Gladys E. Leggett Hall, Mount Olive; brothers, MSgt Andrew M. Hall (Jacqueline), Mount Olive, and SGM Gregory L. Hall(Valerie), San...

George Robert (Bobby) Gibbs

George Robert (Bobby) Gibbs

Mar 27, 2026

Mr. George Robert "Bobby" Gibbs, 65, passed away on March 27, 2026, in Hammond, LA.

Mr. Gibbs was affectionately called "Bobby" and was the 12th of 14 children. He joined Mt. Beulah Missionary Baptist Church, Collins, MS at an early age. He attended the Covington County School System. He was full of life and enjoyed the beauty of it all. He...