EE Pickle Funeral Home Inc.

01/15/2026

A recent survey showed that 52% of people believe it’s important to have a place to visit a lost loved one! Whether you choose cremation or burial, having a permanent memorial for your loved one helps family and friends have a place to mourn and grieve.

To learn more about the benefits of having a permanent memorial, read this article! www.funeralbasics.org/5-reasons-establish-permanent-memorial

01/13/2026

*** Cecil Cantrell ***

Cecil Van Cantrell, a beloved figure in the Monroe County community, was born on July 30, 1950, in Baldwyn, Mississippi. After a fulfilling life dedicated to public service, Cecil passed away on January 11, 2026, after a valiant battle with extended illness.

Cecil's legacy is marked by his unwavering commitment to the safety and well-being of those he served. With a career spanning several decades, he held numerous esteemed roles, from Sheriff of Monroe County—where his decisive leadership made a lasting impact—to County Judge for 24 years, City Judge for 7½ years, Hatley Judge for 7 years, and Nettleton Judge for 2½ years. His career was grounded in education, having graduated from Hatley High School and Itawamba Community College, and spending two formative years at Mississippi State University. Moreover, Cecil proudly served his country as an E7 rank during six years in the military, exemplifying the same dedication that would later define his role in law enforcement.

Cecil was not just a steadfast public servant, but a people person who embraced each day with a joyful heart. He was known for his warmth and as a loving caretaker, making him a cherished confidant and friend to many. His special relationships with friends Brandon Davis, Rodney Starling, Dwayne McCulley, and Bishop Larry Crump bring forth memories filled with laughter, camaraderie, and shared pursuits—often enjoyed in the company of his beloved hunting buddies while c**n hunting under the vast Mississippi skies.

Alongside his professional achievements, Cecil was a devoted family man. He leaves behind his beloved wife, Dot Heatherly, who was by his side through thick and thin. His legacy continues to thrive within his daughter, Kim Swan (Justin), and sons, Casey Cantrell and Scott Burroughs. The joy of his grandchildren—Matt Swan (Hannah), Gabby Swan, Rosalie Burroughs, and Casey Michael Cantrell—and his great-grandson, Myles Swan, was a source of immeasurable pride. Cecil will also be remembered by his brother, Jerry Cantrell (Linda), and a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Cecil is preceded in death by his parents, Thelton and Mittie Cantrell, his brother, Kenneth Paul Cantrell alongside two sisters, Mary Bryson and Linda Sue Colburn.

His passions were as varied as his talents; a lover of old Gospel and bluegrass music, Cecil found peace and happiness in its melodies. He was a happy person at heart, someone who understood the importance of community, and worked tirelessly to ensure Monroe County was a better place to raise a family—a testament to his character and spirit.

Cecil Van Cantrell will be honored in a final farewell at a Funeral Service on January 14, 2026, at E. E. Pickle Funeral Home in Amory, Mississippi. Friends and family are invited to pay their respects from 3:00 PM to 4:00 PM at his service, as they gather to celebrate the remarkable life of a man whose love for his family, community, and country will forever resonate in the hearts of those he touched. There will be no public visitation. Pallbearers will be Bobby Cantrell, Scott Cantrell, Steve Cantrell, Paxton Cantrell, Reece Cantrell, and C**t Cantrell. Honorary Pallbearers will be Marty and Andy Cantrell. He is survived by his dear family and a community grateful for the legacy of kindness and service he leaves behind. The light of his spirit shines brightly even in his absence, reminding us all of the profound difference one individual can make.

Memorials may be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital.

01/09/2026

Thinking about your own mortality can feel uncomfortable, but sharing your story can offer comfort and healing. In the article below, discover how legacy projects create lasting connections and support your loved ones through grief.

01/07/2026

Crystal Oversen, 52, passed away Wednesday, January 6, 2025 in Columbus, MS.

There will be a Memorial Service held on Thursday, January 8, 2026 at 2pm at E E Pickle Funeral Home in Amory, MS. Visitation for family and friends will be from 1pm until the service hour at the funeral home in Amory.

Please keep her family in your thoughts and prayers at this time.

Memories and Condolences may be shared with her family at EEPickleFuneralHome.com.

01/06/2026

*** Margaret Cadden ***

Margaret Jewel Smith Cadden, 90, passed away peacefully on Monday, January 5, 2026, at The Meadows in Fulton. She was born September 11, 1935, in Lexington, Mississippi to V.L. and Jewel McMullan Smith. She graduated from Forest High School and furthered her education at East Central Junior College then at The University of Southern Mississippi.

A lifelong educator, Margaret taught elementary school for 37 years, first in Mississippi for 27 years then 10 years in Tennessee. She was a well-respected teacher, having been awarded “Teacher of the Year” at three different schools.

She was actively involved in each of the communities she and her family resided, holding memberships in The Garden Club, The Fidelia Club, Junior Auxiliary, Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) and numerous bridge clubs.

Margaret was preceded in death by her husband of 63 years, Ernest Carlisle Cadden, Jr. (Sonny), her parents, her daughter, Dollie Jewel Cadden and daughter in law, Kathy Cox Cadden. Her survivors include her sons, Lee of Amory and Carl (Sherri) of Amory. Additional survivors include her grandchildren, Blake (Caitlin) of Franklin, Tennessee and Kelsey of Oxford and great-grandchildren Katherine and Brooks of Franklin, Tennessee.

A memorial service will be held at 1:00 PM Wednesday, January 7, 2026 at E.E. Pickle Funeral Home in Amory with Dr. Allen Simpson presiding. Visitation will be from 11:30 AM until time of service at E.E. Pickle Funeral Home.

Pallbearers will be Grant Nerren, Tim Rutledge, David Millender, Steve Stockton, Tommy Cadden, and Sam Nerren.

Memorials and Donations can be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital.

Memories and Condolences may be shared with her family at EEPickleFuneralHome.com.

01/05/2026

Barbara Nell Roberts
Barbara Nell Roberts, age 87, departed this life on January 3, 2026, in Amory, Mississippi. Born on September 5, 1938, in Monroe County, Barbara was a cherished member of her community known for her genuine spirit, humor, kindness, and boldness. She graduated from Hatley High School and later attended Vaughn Beautician School, equipping her with skills that would support her career as the owner of Nell's Beauty Shop. She also was a seamstress at Hatley Garment Factory and worked at Greens Furniture.

Throughout her life, Barbara embraced numerous interests and hobbies that reflected her vibrant personality. She found joy in tending to her flower and vegetable garden, cooking the produce for her family, and enjoying the great outdoors. She had a particular fondness for mowing her yard and riding her beloved cub tractor, and swinging contentedly in her porch swing, She spend many hours filled with fun exploring local yard sales with her friends Frances Nell, Barbara Christian Lee, and Gail Carter.

Barbara took pride in raising her family, a feat she regarded as one of her proudest accomplishments. She was a loving mother to her daughter, Loretta Worthy (Danny) Hatley, and a devoted grandmother to her grandchildren Jessica Worthy Johns (Jason) of Hatley, Diana Leigh Worthy Dodd (Lance) of Hatley, and Katie Beth Worthy Gibbs (Eric) of Hattiesburg. She was also a doting great-grandmother to Lilly Grace Johns and Lula Beth Worthy who will carry forth her legacy of joy and kindness.

Barbara is also survived by her sister-in-law Jerri Nash of Smithville, brother-in-law Elgar Suggs of Hatley, and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband Winford Roberts, her parents Willie Howard Nash and Earlie Mae Carter Nash, her sister Ruby Suggs, and her brothers Howard Nash, Jr. and Jimmy Nash.

Known for her favorite sayings, “happy as a lark” and “when yellow butterflies are flying south, schools are fixing to start,” Barbara imparted a sense of light and wisdom onto those around her.

A Celebration of Life honoring Barbara Nell Roberts will be held on January 6, 2026, at E. E. Pickle Funeral Home in Amory, Mississippi. Visitation will be from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM followed by a funeral service at 11:00 AM. Brother Josh Awtrey will officiate. Interment will be in Hatley Cemetery. Pallbearers are Jason Johns, Eric Gibbs, Lance Dodd, Tommy Greene, Brody Greene, Randy Nash, and Teddy Nash will be honorary pallbearer.

Barbara Nell Roberts will be fondly remembered for her love of family, her rich contributions to her community, and the warmth she brought into the lives of all who had the privilege to know her.

Memories and Condolences may be shared with her family at EEPickleFuneralHome.com

01/02/2026

Charles Collins
Charles Lewis Collins, 61, born on March 1, 1964, in Jackson, Georgia, to the late Orlando and Emma Kate Clark Collins, passed away at his residence in Smithville, MS, surrounded by his loving family on December 29, 2025.

Charles dedicated his life to caring for others, exemplifying the love and kindness embodied in Christ’s teachings. His career as a caretaker at North Mississippi Regional Center in the rehabilitation unit marked him as a devoted Supervisor. Through his humility and compassion, he oversaw the care and recovery of many, tirelessly aiding individuals on their journey back to normal life. He held a strong belief in the importance of community and connection, leaving behind cherished memories characterized by his general love and kindness towards both friends and strangers alike.

Charles was a man of God, a devoted member of the Jehovah’s Witness faith, and took pride in sharing meals to nurture those around him. He loved the Lord and walked out his faith daily. Charles's love for life extended into his hobbies, as he enjoyed spending time bowling, fishing, and being with his close-knit family and friends. He had a humble and kind personality which earned him enduring friendships and a lasting legacy of love.

In addition to his professional accomplishments, Charles found immense joy in the personal aspects of life. He had been married to his beloved wife, Deborah Sheree Collins, for 28 wonderful years, which he often cited as his proudest accomplishment. Together, they raised a wonderful family, with Charles relishing the roles of father to Deonita Collins, Jerhazel Collins, and his two cherished grandchildren.

He is survived by his loving wife, Sheree; his children, Deonita Collins and Jerhazel Collins; his grandchildren; and several siblings, including Elizabeth Bell and her husband Larry, Selisa Watson and her husband Patrick, Mattie Rose Stewart, Dorothy Hazel Stewart and her husband Anthony, James Howard Clark and his wife Shirley Ann, and David Lee Clark. He also leaves behind in-laws, Thomas and Brenda Falls, Steve Falls, and a host of nieces and nephews who will miss him dearly.

Preceding him in death are his father, Orlando Collins, his mother, Emma Kate Clark Collins, and his brother, Eddie Jene Clark.

A visitation will be held on January 4, 2026, from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM, followed by a funeral service at 2:00 PM. Both services will take place at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses in Fulton, MS, located at 25 Justice Rd, 38843 with Bro. Jerry Morris officiating. Pallbearers will be Jeremy Thomas, Alzado Wells, Caleb Stegall, Lawrence Pace Jermaine Johnson, and Jayden Johnson.

Charles will be remembered fondly for his dedication to others, his humble spirit, and the enduring love for God and others he spread throughout his life.

01/02/2026

Are you looking to honor a veteran?s military service at their final goodbye? Check out these 20 ideas for how you can personalize a beloved veteran?s funeral to highlight and celebrate their military service in a way that is tailored to their one-of-a-kind story.

There are so many way to go about personalizing a veteran's final tribute. Here are 20 ideas to get you started with your own brainstorm!

01/02/2026

CNB (Ret.) Mary Ann McCullen Foster, 71, of Hoschton, Georgia, passed away peacefully on December 22, 2025. She was born in Amory, Mississippi on December 25, 1953, and was the daughter of Ira B. McCullen Jr. and Faith Palmerlee McCullen. Mary Ann was a1971 graduate of Amory High School. She was a 1975 graduate of Mississippi University for Women (formerly MSCW) where she was also a member of Lockheart and Blacklist. Upon graduating from college, Mary Ann taught in the Natchez School System from 1975–1977.

In 1978, Ms. McCullen (at the time) enlisted in the United States Navy. She attended Officer Candidate’s School and Naval Post Graduate School. Mary Ann was fortunate to serve in a variety of prestigious postings during a 20-year military career. She served in the War Plans Department at Pearl Harbor. She served with the Joint Chiefs of Staff in the Pentagon assisting with Strategic Arms Reduction Talks. From 1989 – 1990, she was a Fellow at Harvard University’s College of International Affairs. From 1990 – 1993, Mary Ann served as second in command at the Mayport, Florida Naval Base.

Following her posting at Mayport, Mary Ann served as the Assistant Branch Head for Naval Assignments in Washington DC. During this time, she was also a Fellow at the Massachusetts Institute for Technology. She finished her Naval career by serving as the Commanding Officer at the Pascagoula Naval Base. Soon after retiring from the Navy, Mary Ann would marry Donald Foster. They originally made their home in Pascagoula before moving to Blairsville, Georgia. They spent time at a vacation home in New York and at a family cabin on Lake Huron in Cedarville, Michigan.

Mary Ann McCullen Foster was loved and respected by family, friends, those she served with, and those who served under her command. She leaves a legacy of humor, perseverance, curiosity, and caring that was matched with an indomitable spirit. “In the end, it’s not the years in the life, it’s the life in the years” – Abraham Lincoln.

Mary Ann was preceded in death by her parents Ira and Faith McCullen and her husband Donald Foster. She is survived by her siblings Faith Palmerlee (Pam) Williams, Ira B. (Top) McCullen III (Kathy), and Amy McCullen Smith (Jim). She is also survived by a plethora of very loving nieces, nephews, grand-nieces, and grand-nephews.

The family will host a visitation at the E.E. Pickle Funeral Home from 11:00 am until noon on Saturday, January 3, 2026. This will be followed by a brief graveside service at the Amory Historical Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please feel free to donate to the Alzheimer’s Association. This may be done online at alz.org/donate or by mail at P.O. Box 96011, Washington, DC, 20090-6011.

01/01/2026

A new year has come. Let’s make the most of it by spending time with those we love most!

12/31/2025

Donald W. Young, born on February 21, 1942, in Lee County, departed this life on December 30, 2025. He is remembered as a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, whose love for his family was only surpassed by his unwavering dedication to his community.

A proud graduate of Nettleton High School class of 1960, Donald embarked on a fulfilling career with the Cason Water Department, where he took great pride in scoring a 5 on the water scale. His commitment extended beyond just his job—he served as the caretaker at Liberty Cemetery in Nettleton, MS, where he was known for his hard work and dedication. Donald was owner and cook at the Country Squire Restaurant, Amory, MS. for some time. He also spent 17 years working for Tombigbee Power Association.

Donald's passion and joy in life were evident in his various interests. He was an avid gardener and a dedicated hunter, often sharing stories of his adventures in the great outdoors. He also cherished the simple pleasures of watching westerns on TV and enjoying moments on the farm. Donald was a man who loved everyone around him and had a unique ability to brighten the lives of those he encountered. His philosophy of life was encapsulated in his favorite sayings: "Ole Me, Hard at It."

In addition to his work and hobbies, Donald valued friendship deeply. He cherished the companionship of his closest friends, Carol Pettigrew, Bubba McDowell, Junior Mask and Gabe Clark, with whom he met every morning at the Father's Table Restaurant.

Donald is survived by his loving wife of 48 years, Becky Young, of Nettleton, MS, and their three daughters: Kristy Kelley (Marty), Lisa Rye (Ricky), and Kim Payne (Lance). He is also survived by their three sons: David Young (Tina), Craig Young (Amanda), and Kelly Young (Lacrisha), all residing in Nettleton, MS. Additionally, he leaves behind a sister, Brenda Sue Henley of Aberdeen, MS, along with 16 grandchildren and 19 great-grandchildren who will carry his legacy forward.

Donald W. Young was preceded in death by his parents. His presence will be sorely missed, yet his spirit will live on in the hearts of those he touched.

Visitation services will be held on January 2, 2026, from 12:00 PM until 3:00 PM at Liberty Baptist Church on Liberty Road in Mississippi. Following the visitation, a Celebration of Life will take place at the same location, starting at 3:00 PM and concluding at 4:00 PM.