http://www.colonialchapelbaysprings.com/

Colonial Chapel of Bay Springs and Raleigh, 22 E 4th Avenue, Bay Springs, MS (2025)

12/29/2025

Claudette James, 86, of Raleigh, MS passed away Sunday, December 28, 2025, at her residence in Raleigh, MS. She was born Sunday, September 24, 1939, in Raleigh, Mississippi.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, December 31, 2025, from 10:00 AM until 11:00 AM at Colonial Chapel Funeral Home of Bay Springs with funeral services to begin at 11:00 AM Burial will follow at Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church Cemetery in Raleigh. Bro. Derek Bruce will officiate. Colonial Chapel Funeral Home of Bay Springs is in charge of arrangements. 601-764-2181.

She was preceded in death by parents, William Clint Craft and Lessie Bell Moore Craft; her brothers, Ford Craft and Darrell Craft; and her sisters, Kaye Milsaps and Juanita Bryant.

Survivors include her husband, Odis N James; her sons, Wayne James (Julie) and Rodney James (Stephanie); her daughter, Tina James; her sister, Faye Wicker; her grandsons, Phillip "Bubba" James (Ashley), Justin "Chuck" James (Amanda) and Brock James (Elizabeth); her granddaughter, Anna James; her brother-in-law, Robert Milsaps; her sister-in-law, Charlotte Craft and ten great-grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews and other extended family.

Pallbearers will be Phillip James, Justin James, Brock James, Johnny James, Joey Wicker, and Ladale Wicker.

An online guestbook may be signed at www.colonialchapelbaysprings.com

12/25/2025

Wishing everyone in our community a very Merry Christmas. From our family to yours—have a blessed and peaceful day.

12/20/2025

Cindy Lynn Phillips Powell was born on July 19, 1961, in Bay Springs, Mississippi. From the very beginning, Cindy’s life was marked by love—both the love she received and the love she so freely gave to others.

She was preceded in death by her paternal grandparents, Art and Docia Phillips; her maternal grandparents, R.L. and Vivian Upton; her parents, Ozell “Matt” and Florence Phillips; her brother, Jackie Phillips; and her sister-in-law, Paula Phillips.

Cindy is survived by her sister-in-law, Connie Phillips of Bay Springs, MS; her brothers, Bobby Phillips of Bay Springs, MS, and Stanley Phillips (Cathy) of Stringer, MS; her sister, Beverly Purvis (James) of Puckett, MS; and a large, loving family of nieces, nephews, great-nieces and nephews, and great-great-nieces and nephews—each of whom held a very special place in her heart.

Cindy cherished her family deeply. As the youngest child, she was lovingly known as the “live baby doll,” passed around and adored by her older siblings. As she grew older, that same love only expanded. She treated her nieces and nephews as if they were her own children—always thinking of them, spoiling them with candy and snacks, and making sure they felt valued, and loved. One of her greatest joys was creating spaces for family to be together, including the swimming pool she purchased that quickly became the center of laughter-filled weekends and treasured family memories.

Caring for others was not just something Cindy did—it was who she was. She carried a true servant’s heart, following the example of Jesus, whom she loved deeply. This heart for service was evident in her work, where she treated every person she encountered as family. During her time at Jasper County Nursing Home and later at Mississippi Care Center in Morton, MS, Cindy poured love, kindness, and compassion into the lives of the elderly she cared for. Her residents loved her so much that when she became ill this past spring, they repeatedly called to check on her, worried about the woman who had cared for them so faithfully.

Cindy shared 30 beautiful years of life and love with her sweetheart, James. Together they built a life filled with devotion, laughter, and hard work. After moving to Rankin County, Cindy worked alongside James in carpentry, and her gentle spirit and caring nature quickly endeared her to everyone at Landmark Construction.

Cindy was a faithful member of Puckett Baptist Church. She especially loved serving in the nursery, caring for the youngest among the congregation—another reflection of her nurturing heart and joyful willingness to serve wherever she was needed.

Cindy’s life was a living testimony of love, generosity, humility, and service. Her gentle spirit, unwavering kindness, and deep love for her family will never be forgotten. Though she will be dearly missed, her family finds comfort in knowing that Cindy is now completely healed and resting in the loving presence of Jesus, whom she served so faithfully.

Services will be held at Colonial Chapel Funeral Home in Bay Springs, visitation will be held on Sunday, December 21, 2025, from 2:00 to 4:00 PM. Services will be held on Monday, December 22, 2025 at 11:00 AM, and her earthly body will be laid to rest at Salem Baptist Church cemetery in Bay Springs.

Pallbearers will include Chris Phillips, Jonathan Phillips, Jeremy Phillips, Randal Bragg, James Edward Bragg, and Andrew Bragg.

Honorary pallbearers will include Rod Tolbert, Matt White, Zach English, Andrew Phillips, Hayden Banes, Hunter Banes, Noah Tolbert, Jacob Russell, Michael Phillips, Joe Phillips, Matthew Bragg, Jess Russell, Miles Russell, and Rex Phillips.

12/16/2025

Penny Lou Furr, 60 of Raleigh, MS passed away Saturday, December 13, 2025 at her residence. She was born Saturday, May 1, 1965 in Simpson County, Mississippi.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, December 18, 2025 from 5:00 PM until 7:00 PM at Colonial Chapel Funeral Home of Raleigh. Funeral services will be held on Friday, December 19, 2025 at 1:00 PM at Colonial Chapel Funeral Home of Raleigh. Burial will follow in Liberty Baptist Church Cemetery. Rev. Reggie Chisholm will officiate. Colonial Chapel Funeral Home of Raleigh is overseeing arrangements, 601-764-2181.

She was preceded in death by her father, Rufus "Top" Vanderford; mother, Daisy "Pat" Herrington Vanderford; sister, Shirley Millis.

Survivors include her husband, Timothy Furr of Raleigh, MS; daughter, April Ainsworth (James) of Mc Leansville, NC; sisters, Syble Puckett, Deborah Butler (Ramon), Sally Jones-Henderson (Larry), Sylvia Gregory; grandchildren, Erica Ainsworth (Danny), Eric Ainsworth (Callie), Brandon Ainsworth, and Bristol Ainsworth; and a host of nieces, nephews, and other extended family.

Pallbearers will be Tim Furr, Justin Jones, Jonathan Goforth, Hunter Goforth, Rickey Vanderford, and Tyreese Keyes.

Honorary pallbearers will be Beaux Robbins and Ramon Butler.

An online guestbook may be signed at www.colonialchapelbaysprings.com

12/08/2025

Charles Edison (Ed) McNeil, 74, of Bay Springs, MS passed away Saturday, December 6, 2025, at his residence, surrounded by his family in Bay Springs, MS. He was born Sunday, November 18, 1951, in Bay Springs, Mississippi.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, December 9, 2025 from 5:00 PM until 7:00 PM at Colonial Chapel Funeral Home of Bay Springs, and from 10:00 AM until 10:50 AM on Wednesday, December 10, 2025 at Lake Como Baptist Church. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM at Lake Como Baptist Church in Bay Springs, Mississippi. Burial will follow in Antioch Baptist Church Cemetery in Louin, Mississippi. Rev Carey Bass, Rev. Paul Hand, and Bro. Dave Moran will officiate. Colonial Chapel Funeral Home Of Bay Springs is in charge of arrangements. 601-764-2181

Ed was a faithful member of Lake Como Baptist Church for over 50 years. He was also a member of the National Guard for six years. At age sixteen, he began working in the grocery store business, where he eventually rose to manager and later co-owner of Bay Springs Foods. He later joined the Mississippi Department of Agriculture and Commerce as an inspector, retiring from the department in 2016. After retiring, he enjoyed hunting, fishing, and classic cars, but most of all, he cherished spending time with his grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his father, George. A McNeil; mother, Pauline Sykes McNeil; brothers, Mitchell McNeil and Vinson McNeil; sister, Margaret McNeil.

Survivors include his wife of 54 years, Janet King McNeil; children, Megan Welborn (Wendall), Nick McNeil (Krissy), and Marae Tynes (Jay); grandchildren, Chase Welborn, Brooke Moffett (Trevor), Brett Welborn (Jennifer), Turner McNeil, Kambri Welborn, Kahlie McNeil, Kane Welborn, Karalyne Tynes, and Kennedy Tynes; great grandchildren, Anne Riley Moffett and Leah Kate Welborn; sisters, Kathy Pugh (Randy), Cindy Bass (Carey); sister-in-laws, Gaye McNeil and Linda Townsend.

Pallbearers will be Chris McNeil, Stacey McNeil, Jamie Pugh, Jason King, Tate McNeil, and Caleb Bass.

Honorary pallbearers will be Geoffrey McNeil, Reece King, Johnny Windham, Justin Rhodes, and Houston Rhodes.

12/06/2025

Danny Lee Bassett, 86, of the Ted community passed away on December 5, 2025 after a brief illness. He was born on February 10, 1939 to Joe and Mary Etta Bassett of Louin, MS. He was a devoted father, grandfather, great grandfather and friend.

Danny was hard-working and dedicated. He spent the majority of his adult life as a pipeline operator where he was known as the “best” backhoe operator in the business. Despite his many responsibilities, he always made time for his family and friends.

Though Danny may not have wanted to be the center of attention, he deserves to have his many years of fatherly love honored. He was a man of integrity, kindness, generosity and he left a lasting impact on everyone who knew him.

His hobbies and interests helped define who he was. He enjoyed hunting and fishing, but his main source of enjoyment was being a hard worker who ran his farm in a professional manner. He loved “tinkering” with his equipment and “babying” his cattle, but especially his time spent with his best companion Boma. The love that he showed for all of this has left a lasting impression on his family that will never fade.

He is preceded in death by his son, David Lee Bassett, parents, Joe and Mary Etta Bassett, brothers Tommy and Jerry Bassett, brother-in-law Ron Ford and grandson Zac Ainsworth. He is survived by his sister Mary Lynda Ford, the mother of his children Faye Bassett, daughters Tammy (Tom) Lewis and Sheila (Tony) Ainsworth, grandchildren Cara (Ryan) Cahak, Lee (Candice) Aultman, Brooks (Blair) Lewis, Ryan Aultman, Josh Aultman and Heath Ainsworth, great grandchildren Alee Hyatt, Annah Cate Hyatt, Logen Aultman, Layke Aultman, Charli Cahak, Blake Lewis, Sophie Aultman, Berklee Aultman, Rett Cahak, Sam Parker Lewis, Dylan Aultman, Leo Cahak, Koen Aultman, Ella Aultman, Katelyn Aultman, Natalee Ainsworth, Nathan Ainsworth, Ashlee Ainsworth and great great granddaughter Leighton Hill, sister in law Janell Bassett and a special nephew Kyle Ford and a host of nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held from 11A.M. – 12:30 P.M. on December 9, 2025 at Colonial Chapel, Bay Springs, followed by a graveside service at 1 P.M. at Louin Cemetery, Louin MS, with burial to follow.

The service and special music will be conducted by Ray Pugh.

Pallbearers will be Lee Aultman, Brooks Lewis, Ryan Aultman, Kyle Ford, Josh Aultman, Ryan Cahak, Logen Aultman and Layke Aultman.

We find comfort in knowing that his legacy lives on through the lessons he taught us, the love he shared and the memories we will cherish forever. He was truly “THE BEST”!

12/06/2025

Mavis Irene Graham, aged 91, of Stringer, MS, passed away peacefully at her residence on Friday, December 5, 2025. Born on June 16, 1934, in Moss, Mississippi, Mavis was a beloved member of the Stringer community.

A graduate of Mossville School, Mavis was known for her talent as a star basketball player during her high school years. She later became the owner and operator of H & M Grocery in Louin, MS, where she worked for many years.

Mavis was a devoted member of Liberty Baptist Church in Stringer, Mississippi, where she found great joy in her faith and community. She cherished watching the Saints play football, cooking for her family, tending to her garden, and most importantly, spending time with her loved ones.

She was preceded in death by her husband of fifty-three years, Hansel “Hamp” Graham, her father T.E. Jackson, and her mother Ida Mae Riley Howell.

Mavis is survived by her son, Jeffrey Graham of Stringer, MS; daughters, Sherry Graham Breland (Kim) of Stringer, MS, and Brenda Graham Munn (Mark) of Laurel, MS; her brother, Norman Howell (Barbara); her sister, Janelle Hammond; her grandchildren, Lee Munn, Jeremy Thornton (Hayley), Clint Breland (Meghann), Jarrod Breland (Pam), Krystal Leland (Tony), and Kacie Breland; fifteen great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; and a host of other family members and friends.

A Graveside Funeral Service will be held on Sunday, December 7, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. at Liberty Baptist Church Cemetery in Stringer, Mississippi, with burial to follow. Bro. Stanley Doggett will officiate the service, and arrangements are being handled by Colonial Chapel Funeral Home of Bay Springs.

Mavis will be remembered as a loving wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, great-great-grandmother, daughter, sister, and friend. She will be greatly missed by all who knew her.

Pallbearers will be Lee Munn, Jeremy Thornton, Clint Breland, Jarrod Breland, Heath Graham, and Nick Bunkley.

Honorary pallbearers will be Sonny Spradley, Trea Staples, Tony Leland, and Daniel Hughes.

An online guestbook may be signed at www.colonialchapelbaysprings.com

12/04/2025

Doris Jean Thornton, 84, of Raleigh, MS passed away Thursday, December 4, 2025, at her residence in Raleigh, MS. She was born Wednesday, June 4, 1941, in Smith County, Mississippi.

Graveside services will follow in Cedar Grove Methodist Church Cemetery at 4:00 p.m. on Friday, December 5, 2025. Colonial Chapel Funeral Home of Bay Springs oversees arrangements. 601-764-2181

She was preceded in death by her parents, William P Goldman and Ina Mae Blackwell Goldman.

Survivors include her husband, Carl Edward Thornton of Raleigh, MS; son, Kirk Thornton (Nikki) of Stringer, MS; daughter, Carla Easterling (Allen) of Raleigh, MS; and her grandchildren, Dakota Fortenberry, Montana Fortenberry, Savanah Fortenberry and Connor Thornton.

Pallbearers will be Josh Matthews, Dwayne Thornton, Ben Matthews, Jimmy Thornton, David Herrin, and Ray Thornton.

12/03/2025

Betty Carol Webb Robinson, 82, of Bay Springs, MS passed away Monday, December 1, 2025, at her residence in Bay Springs, MS. She was born on Sunday, March 28, 1943 in Hattiesburg, Mississippi.

Visitation will be held on Friday, December 5, 2025, from 10:00 am until 12:00 pm at Bay Springs Baptist Church in Bay Springs, Mississippi with funeral services to begin at 12:00 pm. Burial will follow in Woodlawn Cemetery in Columbia, MS at 3:00 pm. Rev. James Clardy will officiate. Colonial Chapel Funeral Home of Bay Springs oversees arrangements. 601-764-2181

Mrs. Robinson graduated from Hattiesburg High School, class of 1962, and attended the University of Southern Mississippi. She was a faithful follower of Christ and a committed member of Bay Springs Baptist Church for over 40 years, serving on many church committees throughout the years. Mrs. Robinson worked for several years as a medical records clerk at Jasper General Hospital. Mrs. Robinson was a true southern lady, an excellent cook, and host. She was known and beloved by her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren as “BeCe.”

She was preceded in death by her first husband of 14 years, Charles N. Webb; her parents Richard “Dickie" Jones and Ruby Thomas Jones and her sister, Faye Jones Cox.

Survivors include her second husband of 46 years, Ray Robinson; her sons, Marcus Robinson (Wanda Robinson) Keith Robinson (Frances Robinson), and Charles Bradford Webb (his fiancé, Heather Sanders); her daughter, Stephanie W. Wilson (Cory T. Wilson); her brother, Richard T. Jones (Lucy Jones); her grandchildren, Webb Wilson, Emily McGuire, Betsy Neal, Julie Wilkins, Lucy Harper, Sarah Beatty, Norah Webb, Ashley Casteel and Chris Holly; and her great grandchildren, Lily Wilkins, Rosie Wilkins, Annie Wilkins, Coen McGuire, Aubrey McGuire, Eden Harper, Liam Harper, Adaleigh Beatty and Greenlee Casteel.

Pallbearers are Jacob Wilkins, Jacob Neal, Jordan McGuire, Dillon Harper, Evan Beatty, and Webb Wilson.

Honorary Pallbearers are the deacons of Bay Springs Baptist Church

In Lieu of flowers the family request memorial contributions be made to Bay Springs Baptist Church.

An online guestbook may be signed at www.colonialchapelbaysprings.com

12/01/2025

Alice Victoria “Vickie” Pinkham, 81, of Mendenhall, MS passed away Friday, November 28, 2025, at Baptist Medical Center in Jackson, MS. She was born Saturday, March 11, 1944 in Ellisville, Mississippi.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, December 3, 2025, from 11:00 AM until 1:00 AM at Colonial Chapel Funeral Home of Raleigh with funeral services to begin at 1:00 PM Burial will follow in North Raleigh Cemetery in Raleigh, Mississippi. Bro. John Matt Musgrove will officiate. Colonial Chapel Funeral Home of Raleigh is in charge of arrangements. 6017642181

Ms. Vickie was a strong woman who faced life’s challenges with courage and dignity. She will always be in our hearts and we will never forget her.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 60 years, Billy Earl Pinkham; her parents, Victor and Arie Bruce; and her brother, David Bruce.

Leaving behind to cherish her memory include her children, Monty Pinkham and Debra Pinkham; her grandchildren, Brittney Thompson (Dustin) and Landon Rush; and her great grandchildren, Carter McClane Thompson, Whitten Thompson and Josephine Thompson.

Pallbearers will be Ricky Hall, Joe Bruce, Shannon Bruce, Mike Nutt, and Mark Young.

An online guestbook may be signed at www.colonialchapelbaysprings.com

11/28/2025

Lela M. Matthews, 78, of Laurel, MS passed away Friday, November 28, 2025, at her residence. She was born Wednesday, September 3, 1947, in Bay Springs, Mississippi.

Graveside Services are scheduled at First Pentecostal Church of Bay Springs Cemetery, on Saturday, November 29, 2025, at 2:00 PM. Bro. John Bowen will officiate. Colonial Chapel Funeral Home of Bay Springs oversees arrangements. 601-764-2181

Mrs. Lela enjoyed growing butterbeans, okra, tomatoes, and all kinds of vegetables in her garden, and loved watching her birds. She was a lifelong member of First Pentecostal Church of Bay Springs, and a Christian by faith. She loved her family, especially her grandchildren and her great-grandchildren. Mrs. Lela was a wonderful mother and always provided for her family.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Larry M. Matthews, Sr.; her son, Darrell Lee Matthews; her parents, Robert Quitman, and Mildred Leona Williams; her brother, Jerry Williams; and sister, Cheryl Stuart.

Survivors include her sons, Terry Parker and Larry M Matthews, Jr. her daughter, Tammy Chisholm; her brother, Robert L Williams; her sister, Ann Mulhern; her grandchildren, Derek Parker, Jordan Parker, Wesley Williamson (Laura), Trace Matthews (Swayzie), Sierra Chisholm, Lara Matthews, Triniti Matthews and Paislee Munn; her great grandchildren, Kylie Bush, Rayna Williamson and Emmitt Williamson and a host of nieces and nephews.

Pallbearers will be Derek Parker, Wesley Williamson, Trace Matthews, Jamie Chisholm, Carlton Edwards, and Jerald Chisholm.

An online guestbook may be signed at www.colonialchapelbaysprings.com

11/28/2025

Janet Lynn Houston, passed away on November 27, 2025. She was born on May 8, 1971 to Ralph Long and Anna Jewel Leggett. She graduated from Jones College with her degree in nursing and served as a licensed practical nurse for several years. Her greatest accomplishment was her husband of 37 years, her children, and her grandchildren who she loved dearly.

She is preceded in death by her father, Ralph Long; her sister, Lois Hinton; her cousin, Melissa Cherry, and her aunts, Ardell Kilgore and Myra Hill.

She is survived by her husband, Glen Houston; her mother, Anna Jewel Leggett; her brother, Rex Long (Jane); her children, Traci Stringer (Clint), Malcom Houston, and Anna Cascio (Caleb); her grandchildren, Ivan Stringer, Isaac Stringer, Ivy Stringer, and Houston Cascio; and her niece Miya, and her niece Tara Morris (Shawn).

A memorial service will be held in her honor at Good Hope Baptist Church in Stringer on Sunday, December 7, 2025, from 2-4 PM.

To view and sign online guestbook, please visit www.colonialchapelbaysprings.com

Colonial Chapel of Bay Springs and Raleigh

12/29/2025

12/25/2025

12/20/2025

12/16/2025

12/08/2025

12/06/2025

12/06/2025

12/04/2025

12/03/2025

12/01/2025

11/28/2025

11/28/2025

Address

Telephone

Website

Alerts

Contact The Practice

Shortcuts

Share

Category