Colonial Chapel of Bay Springs and Raleigh

Colonial Chapel of Bay Springs and Raleigh Trusted Funeral and Cremation service provider for Jasper and surrounding counties located in Bay Sp "We are a Family Serving Families." Randy Graham
Manager

Here at Colonial Chapel of Bay Springs and Raleigh we know what it means to be a part of a family....people bound by all kinds of ties in all kinds of situations. At Colonial Chapel of Bay Springs and Raleigh we quietly provide support, guidance, compassion and total commitment at a time when inner strength and peace are challenged.

Deborah Karen Adams, 66, of Bay Springs, MS passed away Friday, February 13, 2026, at the Jasper General Nursing Home in...
02/14/2026

Deborah Karen Adams, 66, of Bay Springs, MS passed away Friday, February 13, 2026, at the Jasper General Nursing Home in Bay Springs, MS. She was born Tuesday, March 17, 1959. Miss Adams loved her family and enjoyed traveling, visiting many different countries around the world with her job as a business analyst. She also enjoyed reading and was strong in her faith, and was member of Antioch Baptist Church. While living in Atlanta, she worked in the children's department at her church there. She will be deeply missed by all of her family.

Graveside services will be held on Wednesday, February 18, 2026, at 2:00pm at Antioch Baptist Church Cemetery. Rev. Steve Pouncey will officiate. Arrangements have been entrusted to Colonial Chapel Funeral Home of Bay Springs.

Pallbearers will be John Charles Adams, Michael Bodin, Ted Bodin, Jeremy Breland, Robert Folks, and Adam Pugh.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Johnny and Bobbie Adams and her step-mother, Martha Adams.

Those left to cherish her memory include her brothers, Don Adams (Beth) and John Adams (Sherri); her sister, Donna Lynn Breland (Steve); her aunts, an uncle, and a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins.

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

Our beloved and devoted wife and Mom, Ellen Diane (Jones) Mims, passed away peacefully at her home in Bay Springs, Missi...
02/09/2026

Our beloved and devoted wife and Mom, Ellen Diane (Jones) Mims, passed away peacefully at her home in Bay Springs, Mississippi, on February 6, 2026, at the age of 82. She will be deeply missed by her loving husband, Douglas Wayne “Pete” Mims, and her cherished daughter, Belinda Suzanne “Lindie” Mims.

Ellen was born in her family home two and a half miles south of Bay Springs to William David “Willie” Jones and Carrie Jewel Pittman Jones. She married the love of her life, Wayne, in 1960. Together, they began their life in Arizona, where their only child, Lindie, was born. The family also lived in New Mexico and Tennessee before returning home to Mississippi in 1983. She was known for her gentle spirit, generous heart, and quiet strength. She devoted her life to caring for her family and home, always placing the needs of others before her own. Her love was constant and unconditional, and her presence brought comfort to all who knew her. She leaves behind a legacy of unconditional love and kindness that will be cherished always. Diane found joy in tatting, crochet, painting, needlepoint, Scrabble, music, and cooking, and she generously gave her time as a volunteer for Relay for Life. During her life, she worked as an administrative assistant at Tennessee Technological University in Cookeville, Tn, a medical transcriber at South Central Hospital in Bay Springs and on the family farm raising chickens.

She is preceded in death by her Daddy, Mother, and a brother, Johnny Jones. She was the heart and strength of her surviving family, a devoted wife to Wayne Mims and Mama to Lindie Mims.

Family and friends are invited to attend a visitation at Colonial Chapel Funeral Home of Bay Springs on Tuesday, February 10, 2026, from 11:30 am until 1 pm followed by the funeral service. A graveside service will be performed at Old Mount Nebo Cemetery on County Rd 18-5 afterward. Brother Tony Johnson of First Baptist Church of Moss will officiate. Pallbearers are Diane’s cousin Tommy Jones, nephew Andy Haden and family by affection Speedy Yanez, Brandon Yanez, Alex Yanez, Tony Yanez. Honorary pallbearers are her cousin Charlie Jones and niece Stacey Haden.

In lieu of flowers the family requests that memorial donations be made to the St. Jude Children's Research Hospital in Memphis, Tennessee.

Funeral arrangements are entrusted to Colonial Chapel of Bay Springs. An online guestbook may be signed and viewed at www.colonialchapelbaysprings.com

02/06/2026

Mary Ellion Keyes, age 91, of Bay Springs, MS passed away on Wednesday, February 4, 2026, at the Jasper General Nursing Home. She was a retired business education teacher from the Baldwin County, Alabama School District. Later in life, she worked at Buckley Newspaper of Bay Springs. She was a member of New Home Baptist Church in Taylorsville, MS. Ms. Keyes was a member of several local garden clubs and both Smith County, Mississippi, and Baldwin County, Alabama retired teacher’s clubs.

Graveside services will be held on Monday, February 9, 2026, at 12:15pm at Clear Creek Baptist Church Cemetery in Taylorsville.

She was preceded in death by her parents, J.B., and Exer Ford Keyes; her sister and brother-in-law, Bettye Ruth, and Richard Flatherty; her brother and sister-in-law, Billy, and Bobbie H. Keyes; and her nephews Rickey Keyes and Marty Keyes.

Those left to cherish her memory include her nephews, Thomas Keyes, and Adam Keyes; her nieces, Ashton Martin, and Addie Keyes; several great-nieces and great-nephews; special friends, Richard, and Cookie Moffett; and a host of cousins and many friends.

In lieu of flowers, please give to your church or a charity of your choice in her honor.

Edith Gwendolyn Robbins Walters, age 90, passed away quietly and peacefully on Tuesday, February 3, 2026 at Jasper Gener...
02/05/2026

Edith Gwendolyn Robbins Walters, age 90, passed away quietly and peacefully on Tuesday, February 3, 2026 at Jasper General Nursing Home in Bay Springs, Mississippi.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, February 7, 2026 from 12:30 pm until 1:55 pm at Salem Baptist Church, 723 CR 17, Bay Springs, Mississippi 39422, with funeral services beginning at 2:00 pm at the same location. Burial will follow in Salem Baptist Church Cemetery under the direction of Colonial Chapel Funeral Home.

Edith was born Monday, September 30, 1935 to Thomas Grayson and Otie Jewel Robbins in Columbia, Mississippi. She was raised and lived in Columbia until she married Billy Joe Walters and moved to New Orleans, Louisiana. Her son, Billy Joe Walters, Jr., was born in Louisiana and then they moved back to Columbia, after which she had a daughter, Cathy Diane Walters. She and Billy eventually bought a home in Laurel, Mississippi where they raised their family.

Edith was a beautician for more than 30 years, and owned a beauty shop in the Glade Community just outside the city of Laurel. But Edith’s one true love was children. She loved her children more than life itself. That loved extended to her children’s friends, many of which would live with them at times when a home was needed. She also provided a home for many of her nieces and nephews when one was needed. She had the most love in her heart for any child that needed loved and understanding and they all loved her just as much in return. Later in life, Edith and Billy moved to Stringer, Mississippi to be closer to their daughter and her family and resided there until their deaths.

Edith was preceded in death by her husband of more than 60 years, Billy Joe Walters, Sr.; her son, Billy Joe Walters, Jr.; her father, Thomas Grayson Robbins; her mother, Otie Jewel Allen Robbins; two brothers, Reuben (Wanda Jean) Robbins and Billy Robbins and three sisters, Norma (Wesley) McLain, Bonnie (Sidney Ray) Boutwell and Eva (Thomas) Bourne.

Survivors include her daughter, Cathy Diane Walters Phillips and her favorite son-in-law, Stanley Curtis Phillips of Stringer, Mississippi; three grandsons, James Benjamin (Marlene) Walters of Ellisville, Mississippi; Jeremy Curtis (Whitney) Phillips of Hot Coffee, Mississippi and Jacob Stanley (Emilee) Phillips of Bay Springs, Mississippi; one granddaughter, Rikki Walters of Laurel, Mississippi; and two great-grandsons, Joe and Rex Phillips of Hot Coffee, Mississippi and three great-granddaughters, Katherine Walters of Ellisville, Mississippi; Lauren (Ben) Welch of Moselle, Mississippi and Carly Walters of Laurel, Mississippi; and one great-great grandson, William Baker Welch of Moselle, Mississippi. She leaves behind two daughters-by-choice, Judy Upton of Bay Springs, Mississippi and Terri (Greg) Smith of Laurel, Mississippi. A host of nieces and nephews also survive.

Pallbearers will be James Purvis, Greg Smith, Rod Tolbert, Matt White, Chris Phillips, and Steve Ishee.

Honorary pallbearers will be Ben Walters and Jeremy Phillips.

Clergy will be Jacob Phillips and Paul Russell.

Music will be provided by Jerry and Carla Moore and Tim and Carol Upton.

Colonial Chapel of Bay Springs served the Walters family.

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

John Talmage Burrows Jr of Raleigh, Mississippi passed away at the age of 90 on January 30, 2026. John was born in Memph...
02/04/2026

John Talmage Burrows Jr of Raleigh, Mississippi passed away at the age of 90 on January 30, 2026. John was born in Memphis, Tennessee on February 13, 1935, to John Talmage Sr and Mary Burrows. He graduated from Germantown High School and went on to earn a degree from Mississippi State University in the field of forestry. After graduation he worked for the US Forest Service where he retired after 30 years.

John T. or Tee John as he was known by friends and family was a talented mechanic. He repaired garden tillers, lawn mowers, tractors, refrigerators, washers, dryers and air conditioners for friends and family all over the county. Sometimes he reassembled the cars his children broke.

With the Forest Service he kept bulldozers and other equipment running. He had a passion for antique cars, particularly his 1930 Model A coupe, Phoebe, which he rebuilt at least three times, and was a member of the Model A Car club. He was crafty and imaginative in building sheds, barns, greenhouses, ponds, dams, bridges, roads and even furniture.

He enjoyed reading, yelling at MSU Bulldog football games on television and radio and he loved his vegetable garden. He was a beekeeper. Until his later years he hunted and liked fishing so much he could be spotted in Raleigh as he hauled a yellow canoe on top of his ‘56 Chevy pickup. Just in case. His children always begged to go fishing with him and begged to go home from the moment he got the boat in the water.

His dogs always loved him. He did the crossword in pen. He loved living on land with trees, and Camille nearly broke his heart. He wore a Smokey the Bear suit in parades. He loved Patsy Cline and Patty Page.

With the Forest Service, and being constantly out of doors, he was always bringing home abandoned dogs, a habit his children adopted. He was also catching and bringing home snakes much to the consternation of his coworkers and the delight of his children.

He was a Boy Scout leader for a short while. For many years he was a member of the Raleigh Jaycees and helped with the National To***co Spit raising money for the tennis courts and recreational facility in Raleigh.

He is survived by his wife of 68 years, Elizabeth Jane Moore (Jane), a brother Harold Gene Burrows (Julie), of Williston Tennessee. He also leaves behind his three children Allen Burrows (Jane) of Jackson, Mississippi; Becky Bowen (Mike) of Niceville, Florida; Gary Burrows (Brenda) of Woodstock, Georgia. He was a proud grandfather to Madalyn Bowen Blake (Chris) of Clyo, Georgia, Emily Burrows Slone (Chase) of Kennesaw, Georgia, Libby Bowen of Niceville, Florida, and he was a devoted great grandfather to Evelyn Blake.

The family would like to thank his caregivers Sherry Logan, Shan Carter, Ruby Carter, Ana’stayshia Carter, Tanyanda Keys and Freddie Lee for their loving care over the last several years and especially the last three months. We would also like to thank Gentiva Hospice staff, for their gift of comfort.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, February 7, 2026 from 10:00 AM until 11:00 AM at Raleigh Methodist Church located at 163 Main Street, Raleigh, Mississippi with funeral service to follow at 11:00 AM. A private burial service will be held at a later date and time. Colonial Chapel Funeral Home of Raleigh overseeing arrangements. 601-764-2181.

In Lieu of flowers the family request donations in his memory and honor be made to your favorite charity or animal shelter.

Clara Ella Jay, 92, passed peacefully surrounded by family on Tuesday, February 3, 2026, in Pocahontas, Mississippi. She...
02/04/2026

Clara Ella Jay, 92, passed peacefully surrounded by family on Tuesday, February 3, 2026, in Pocahontas, Mississippi. She is received by J. L. “Butch” Jay, her loving and devoted husband of over 50 years, and daughter Karen Jay Pearce. Visitation will be Thursday, February 5, 2026, at Bay Springs Methodist Church at 11:00 a.m. Funeral services will begin at 12:00 noon, followed by interment at Bay Springs Cemetery.

Clarella, as she was lovingly called by her mother, is survived by her granddaughter Shannon James Griffin (Robert) of River Ridge, Louisiana, and grandson John E. Pearce, II (Mary Beth) of Pocahontas, Mississippi. Great-grandchildren are Devin Aultman and Jaye Aultman (Shannon); and John Ernest Pearce, III, and Coralyn Elizabeth Pearce (John). Clara’s great- grandchildren adored her, hanging on every word and cherishing every moment spent in her company. She was the heart of the family, and they will carry her memories, stories, and love with them.

Clara Ella Barrett was born to M. P. and Cecile “Mama Ceile” Barrett on August 24, 1933, in the Penantly Community of Jasper County, MS. She was baptized and raised in the Hopewell Methodist Church, where many generations of her family have worshiped. Growing up in the Penantly Community, Clara attended Hickory High School and enjoyed playing basketball for their school team. She and Butch raised their daughter Karen in Bay Springs, MS, for the majority of their lives after he returned from service in the Air Force during World War II. Early in Clara’s life-long service to others, she dedicated her skills to Neco Electrical Products Corporation and Jasper General Hospital. She loved to tell the story of how she was able to sneak into the nursery after visiting hours when her first grandchild was born. That sweet mischief was cherished by her adoring family, as well as her ability to make the best “Party Mix” and pecan pie in the world. She continued her career at Bay Springs Telephone Company, and with the brightest smile and a gleam in her eyes, she made each person she greeted feel at home. In her later career, she devoted her skills and experience to help her family begin their own company. Her gracious spirit, unwavering work ethic, and deep moral compass shaped not only her life, but the lives of everyone whom she loved and who loved her. She built a strong foundation for her family - one rooted in integrity, perseverance, and quiet strength. Grounded in a strong agricultural tradition dating many generations, she carried a lifelong respect for the land. Clara and Butch took pride in maintaining the family land, spending many weekends and holidays working side by side finding satisfaction in the preservation, care, and continuity of tradition. Even at 92 years old, she could be found on her lawnmower cutting grass, picking up sticks, or chopping branches in preparation for the winter, proof of her enduring work ethic. If you could not reach her, you could expect to find her “in the yard” or on her sewing machine.

Rev. Eric Geisbert of Holy Trinity Anglican Church in Madison, Mississippi will officiate, assisted by Deacon John Pearce, Jr., and Rev. Larry Sappington.

Pallbearers are Robert Griffin, John Pearce, III, Chris Stockman, and Dr. Mark DeLoach.

The family requests that memorial donations be made to the Bay Springs Methodist Church

Memorial Fund or the Holy Trinity Anglican Church (Madison, MS) Building Fund.

Catherine Elizabeth Huddleston, aged 76, of Stringer, Mississippi, passed away peacefully. Born on October 23, 1949, in ...
02/02/2026

Catherine Elizabeth Huddleston, aged 76, of Stringer, Mississippi, passed away peacefully. Born on October 23, 1949, in Laurel, Mississippi, to Richmond Luter Hosey and Anne Ruth Hosey (D***s), Catherine was a devoted mother, wife, sister, and friend. Known for her gentle spirit, generous heart, and quiet strength, she dedicated her life to caring for her family and home, always prioritizing the needs of others. Her love was steady and unconditional, and her presence was a source of comfort. Catherine's warmth, patience, and deep love for her family will be fondly remembered by all who knew her.

She is survived by her son, Andrew Huddleston, and his wife Joni, as well as her brothers, Richard Hosey and his wife Cherie, and Kenneth Hosey and his wife Paula and her step-granddaughter, Layla Klein. Catherine was preceded in death by her parents, her beloved husband Jack Huddleston Jr., and her brother Jackie Hosey.

Graveside services will be held on Wednesday, February 4, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. at Liberty Cemetery in Stringer, Mississippi, with John Bowen officiating. Arrangements are entrusted to Colonial Chapel Funeral Home of Bay Springs.

James Webster Hall, Jr., known to family and friends as Jim or Webber, passed away peacefully at his home in Bay Springs...
01/27/2026

James Webster Hall, Jr., known to family and friends as Jim or Webber, passed away peacefully at his home in Bay Springs, Mississippi on January 16, 2026, at the age of 79. While his passing was unexpected, he remained active and independent through his final day.

Jim was born on November 7, 1946, in Meridian, Mississippi, to James Webster Hall and Mary Katherine Dennis Hall. He enlisted in the U.S. Army in March 1967 and, after training at Fort Rucker, Alabama, served in Vietnam from 1968 to 1969 with the 101st Airborne Division. As a UH-1 Huey pilot and maintenance officer, he earned the Bronze Star and Air Medal with three Oak Leaf Clusters flying combat missions in Northern I Corps. He continued his military career as a helicopter instructor, fixed-wing executive transport pilot, and fixed-wing aviation unit commander. After leaving active duty in 1972, he served in the Army Reserves, attaining the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. He was a life member of the Vietnam Helicopter Pilots Association.

Following his active-duty service, Jim pursued higher education, earning his Bachelor of Science degree in 1975 and his MBA in 1976, both from Jacksonville State University in Alabama. He became a Certified Public Accountant in 1983 and built a distinguished career in finance, working for various state entities and hospitals such as the University of Alabama and University of New Mexico. Before his retirement he served in accounting for the Department of Psychiatry at the University of Mississippi Medical Center.

But beneath this practical exterior was a man of sentiment. For well over a decade, he wore the same Mickey Mouse tie his daughter gave him as a child - almost every single Friday until his retirement. This quiet gesture exemplified who Jim was: stoic and practical on the outside, but deeply caring and loyal underneath.

In retirement, Jim "Webber" Hall enjoyed life on his family's 30-acre property in Mississippi, where he was constantly working on projects - whether repairing the house, working on vehicles, or maintaining the land he loved. He was an avid reader, spending hours with his collection of books. As a man of precision and structure, his personal library was filled with hundreds of books and was meticulously organized using the Dewey Decimal System. He enjoyed Friday lunches with his sister in Hattiesburg and treasured time with his grandchildren, whether working with them on projects, exploring the property and fishing together, or simply sitting quietly and reading side by side.

Jim is survived by his sister, Faye Carol Barlow; his daughter, Rachel Hall Clark; his son-in-law, Austin Hardy Clark; and his three grandchildren: Aaron, Davin, and Adeline Clark. He was preceded in death by his parents, James Webster Hall and Mary Katherine Dennis Hall.

A memorial service will be held at 2pm on Friday, January 30th, in Colonial Chapel Bay Springs. In lieu of flowers, you can make donations to Dolly Parton's Imagination Library to honor Jim's love of reading - donate.imaginationlibrary.com

Helen LaNell Windham, aged 91, of Bay Springs, MS, passed away on Friday, January 23, 2026, at Jasper General Nursing Ho...
01/23/2026

Helen LaNell Windham, aged 91, of Bay Springs, MS, passed away on Friday, January 23, 2026, at Jasper General Nursing Home. Born on August 14, 1934, in Jasper County, Mississippi, Helen lived a long and fulfilling life.

She was preceded in death by her beloved parents, William Eaton Cargile and Sally Ford Cargile. Helen is survived by her loving daughter, Patti Stephens and her husband Van, of Daphne, AL, along with her granddaughters Ashley Poche, Jordy Poche, her grandson, Andrew Stephens and Jordan Belue and her great-granddaughters, Presley Poche and Payton Poche.

Family and friends are invited to attend a visitation on Wednesday, January 28, 2026, from 12:00 PM until 1:00 PM at Colonial Chapel Funeral Home of Bay Springs. A graveside service will follow at 1:00 PM at Bay Springs Cemetery. Arrangements are being handled by Colonial Chapel Funeral Home Of Bay Springs.

An online guestbook may be signed at

Welcome FUNERAL HOME NAME is a family owned and operated funeral firm with more than YEARS years of experience. We re dedicated to giving each family we serve the level of care and understanding they deserve. Whether you re making your arrangements at time of need or in advance, our caring staff

Joshua Thomas McKinnon, 91 of White Oak, passed away Tuesday, January 20, 2026 at the Simpson General Hospital surrounde...
01/21/2026

Joshua Thomas McKinnon, 91 of White Oak, passed away Tuesday, January 20, 2026 at the Simpson General Hospital surrounded by his loving family.

Visitation will be held on Friday, January 23, 2026 from 10:00 am until 10:55 am at Grace and Truth Worship Center, located at 1744 Shell Oil Rd., Brandon, MS 39042, with services immediately following at the same location at 11:00 am.

Burial will follow in Indianola City Cemetery under the direction of Colonial Chapel Funeral Home of Raleigh.

Bro. Marvin Phillips, Bro. Isaac Powell, Bro. James Hill, Bro. Arnie Stewart, and Bro. Russell Daniels will officiate.

Mr. McKinnon was born in Attala County. He was a retired electrician in the oil field industry, and was a self-employed carpenter. He was an avid outdoorsman, and enjoyed fishing, hunting, and gardening. Traveling was also a favorite past time. Mr. J.T. served his country in the United States Army during the Korean War. He was a Christian by testimony of his faith, holding membership with Sardis Baptist Church, and Grace and Truth Worship Center at the time of his passing.

He was preceded in death by his wife of almost 69 years, Arlie Modene Smith McKinnon; his parents, Frank Davidson and Olivia Katie McMillian McKinnon; brothers, Frank William McKinnon and Vivian McKinnon and sisters, Hortense Dehart and Jean Jenkins.

Survivors include his daughters, Sandra McKinnon Phillips (Marvin) of Morton and Pam Delancey (John) of Bentonia; his son, David McKinnon (Glenda) of Florence; eight grandchildren; twelve great-grandchildren and one on the way; one great-great grandchild; sister, Nina Bain of Southaven; numerous nieces and nephews.

Pallbearers will be Josh Delancey, Jake Delancey, Noah Powell, Trey Moore, Justin Smith, Frank Adcock, and Russell Daniels.

Special music will be performed by Mrs. Tracie Adcock, Mrs. Cathy Parker, Mr. Trey Moore.

Colonial Chapel Funeral Home of Raleigh is in charge of arrangements.

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

Christopher “Preacher” Amos Arender, 55 of Raleigh, MS passed away Monday, January 5, 2026 at the Magee General Hospital...
01/06/2026

Christopher “Preacher” Amos Arender, 55 of Raleigh, MS passed away Monday, January 5, 2026 at the Magee General Hospital in Magee, Mississippi. He was born Friday, August 21, 1970 in Bay Springs, Mississippi.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, January 7, 2026 from 5:00 pm until 8:30 pm at Salem Baptist Church in Raleigh, MS. Funeral services will be held on Thursday, January 08, 2026 at 10:00 am at Salem Baptist Church in Raleigh, MS. Burial will follow in Sharon Baptist Church Cemetery in Raleigh, MS. Bro. Stevie Hand and Bro. Anthony Grayson will officiate. Special music will be performed by Angie McKissack. Colonial Chapel Funeral Home of Magee is overseeing arrangements. 601-849-5031

He was preceded in death by his father, Amos William (A.W.) Arender, Jr.; mother, Thelma Jo Blakeney Arender; paternal grandparents, Amos and Helen Arender; maternal grandparents, Gladys and Lois Blakeney.

Survivors include his brothers, Danny Arender (Suzette) of Raleigh, Donnie Arender (Paula) of Raleigh, and Jason Arender (Melissa) of Raleigh; sisters, Karen Arender of Raleigh, Lisa Arender Boone (Ken) of Raleigh and Marcia Arender Taylor (Jamie) of Raleigh. And a host of nieces, nephews and other extended family.

Pallbearers will be Janson Arender, Justin Boone, John Carter Arender, Shannon Arender, Sam Arender, and Jordan Arender.
Honorary pallbearers will be Jaxon Arender.

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

Theresa Bronder Myrick, age 101, was joyfully received into her heavenly home on December 31, 2025, after a long, full l...
01/02/2026

Theresa Bronder Myrick, age 101, was joyfully received into her heavenly home on December 31, 2025, after a long, full life marked by faith, hard work, and deep love for her family.

Born on November 17, 1924, in Falls City, Texas, to Vincent and Regina Bronder, Theresa grew up in a close-knit rural community that shaped her strong values and quiet resilience. For many years she worked in retail, faithfully helping local friends and neighbors find just the right shoes and clothing for every occasion, a role she truly cherished and often said she wished she could still do. Her customers became friends, and her kindness, patience, and warm smile made every visit feel like a visit with family.

At 100 years old, Theresa made a public profession of her faith in Jesus Christ when she joyfully joined Providence Primitive Baptist Church and was baptized on August 17, 2025, surrounded by many of her children and grandchildren. Her late-in-life baptism was a powerful testimony of simple, childlike trust in the Lord and brought great comfort and encouragement to all who witnessed it. Theresa’s faith gave her peace, hope, and assurance as she looked forward to her eternal home.

Theresa was the very best cook, and her kitchen was the heart of her home, always filled with the smell of something delicious in the oven and a plate of fresh baked cookies ready for the grandchildren. She kept a garden year after year, growing and putting up vegetables to share with her family, with her jars of string beans becoming a treasured family favorite around the table. Her generosity, hospitality, and gentle spirit turned ordinary days into cherished memories.
Theresa’s greatest joy was her family, whom she loved fiercely and prayed for faithfully. She is survived by her loving and devoted children, Linda Townsend (Riley), Edward Myrick (Jennifer), and Mike Myrick (Patsy), who were honored to care for her in her later years. Her grandchildren “hung the moon” in her eyes, and she leaves Chris McNeil (Stacey), Patricia King (Justin), Chad Myrick (Chelsey), Collin Myrick (Blaize), Mary Kate Shelton (Chase), Jonathan Davis (Katie), Madeline Moffett (Kyle), Melissa Craft, Jeremy Townsend (Sarah)and Aaron Townsend (Laura) each one holding a special place in her heart.

Theresa was further blessed with great-grandchildren Abby Grace, Tate, Reece (Olivia), Emma, Will and Marshall. She also had 15 step great grandchildren and 3 step great-great grandchildren, all of whom were the light of her life and the reason the cookie jar was never empty. She also leaves behind many nieces and nephews from Texas to Mississippi that all held special places in her heart. They will remember her gentle hands, her stories, her cookies, and the way she made each one feel uniquely loved and important. Her legacy of faith, family, hard work, and kindness will live on in each generation that follows.

Theresa was preceded in death by her parents, Vincent and Regina Bronder, her brothers Henry Bronder (Louise) and Vincent Bronder, her sisters Bernice Krawczynski (John) and Louise Reninger (Fred), and her son-in-law, Mitchell McNeil. The family takes comfort in knowing she is reunited with them in the presence of her Lord.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to the staff of Jasper County Nursing Home, who lovingly cared for “Terry” and made it her home over the past several years. They would also like to express their deep appreciation to the staff of South Central Regional Medical Center for the compassionate care provided during her final days.

A celebration of Theresa’s life will be held on Saturday, January 3, 2026, with visitation at 12 PM at Providence Primitive Baptist Church and service to follow at 2pm.

Pallbearers will be Chris McNeil, Justin King, Chad Myrick, Collin Myrick, Tate McNeil and Reece King. Honorary Pallbearers will be Riley Davis, Jonathan Davis, Chase Shelton, Jeremy Townsend, Aaron Townsend, Will Myrick and Marshall Myrick. She will be laid to rest near her home at Providence Primitive Baptist Church Cemetery.

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22 E 4th Avenue
Bay Springs, MS
39422

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