Colonial Chapel of Bay Springs and Raleigh

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.

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.

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

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

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

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

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.

01/01/2026

A new year often brings a mix of reflection and hope. To the families we’ve served this past year: you remain in our thoughts. May 2026 bring you the comfort and strength you deserve. Happy New Year from our family to yours.

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