Pryor Funeral Home

04/22/2026

John Thomas Pryor
3/2/1949 – 3/25/2026

It is with great sadness that we share the news of John Pryor's passing on Wednesday, March 25, 2026.

He was born in New Albany, MS to Tilden William Pryor and Margaret Livingston Pryor. He earned a BS in Accounting at Mississippi State University (go dawgs) and was a retired CPA and financial manager. His most recent career achievement was serving as the Broward County, FL Accounting Director as well as the Finance Director and Treasurer of Little Rock, AR. When he retired in 2011, he returned to Mississippi and lived in Tupelo until 2021. Continuing health struggles necessitated a move to Virginia to be closer to one of his daughters.

John was an active contributor to the National Association of Accountants, the Government Financial Officers Association (GFOA), and the GFOA state organizations in both Arkansas and Florida. He was awarded a Lifetime Achievement Award by the South Florida GFOA chapter.

Survivors include his daughter Virginia Manders of Detroit, MI, Amy (Brian) Hite of Louisville, KY, Kristen Pryor Ventimiglia of Fairfax, VA, and Rachel (Sasha) Pryor of Silver Springs, MA; four grandchildren, Parker and Sydney Hite of Louisville, KY, Mia & Cara Ventimiglia of Fairfax, VA; three sisters Jean (Ray) Beech of Belfast, TN, Peggy Hollingsworth of Byram, MS, Billie Davis of Sherman, MS. He was preceded in death by his parents.

We will host a funeral service on Friday, May 29, 2026, at Pryor Funeral Home in Calhoun City at 2:00pm, with Dr. Chad Logan officiating. Visitation will be held prior to the service, from 1:00pm to 2:00pm. Interment will follow at Calhoun City Cemetery. John requested that remembrances be donated to Mississippi State University, in lieu of flowers. Please keep the family in your prayers and thoughts during this time.
Expressions of sympathy may be left for the family at www.pryorfuneralhome@ymail.com" rel="ugc" target="_blank">www.pryorfuneralhome@ymail.com

04/11/2026

UPDATED OBITUARY-KENNY JONES

Kenny Eugene Jones, 68, passed away at his home in Big Creek on Wednesday, April 8, 2026. Born on June 21, 1957 in Memphis, he was the son of the late Jessie Jones and the late Sarah Jones. Kenny attended Calhoun City High School. On February 4, 1977 he married his wife of 49 years, Debrah Jones. In his early years, he worked as a cross-country truck driver. For over the last 30 years, Kenny has worked as a mechanic until his recent retirement.

Kenny was one of a kind, and he was not one you forgot easily. He was always the life of the party. In his free time, he liked to work on projects around the house.

Kenny was loved by many, and he will be deeply missed.

Pryor Funeral Home is honored to serve the Jones Family.

Visitation will be held on Sunday, April 12, 2026 from 1:00pm to 3:00pm at Pryor Funeral Home. A private family graveside service will follow, with Dr. Roger Reeder officiating.

Pallbearers will be Brett Riley, Kipton Jones, Barry Lester, Haydan Wright, and Jackson Burt.

He is survived by his wife, Debrah Jones; son, Corey (Vanessa) Jones; daughter, Brandy (Jackson) Burt; grandchildren, Summer Riley, Brett Riley, Makynlie Jones, Kamri Jones, and Kipton Jones; and 5 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Jessie and Sarah Jones; and sister, Catherine McGehee.

Expressions of sympathy may be left for the family at

Welcome to Pryor Funeral Home. Since 1906 , Pryor Funeral Home has provided dedicated and compassionate care to families of Calhoun City and surrounding communities. Proudly Serving the Communities of Calhoun City, Vardaman, Bruce, Derma, Slate Springs, Big Creek, ALL of Calhoun County.

04/10/2026

Frankie Paul Ward
Posting by request of the family

Frankie Paul Ward was born July 8, 1947 in Bruce, MS to Truman McDonald Ward and Mary Woodruff Ward Bryant.

He departed his life on earth January 9, 2026 at St. Francis Hospital, Park Ave., Memphis, TN. of complications due to cancer.

He was a resident of Slate Springs, MS and Munford, TN.

After growing up and attending school in Vardaman and Calhoun City, Paul joined the Navy in April 1966. He retired January 30, 1986 as a Chief Petty Officer E7 Machinist Mate after serving 20 years.

During his Navy career he was stationed in many bases including 2 ½ years in Rota, Spain, Long Beach, CA, Mayport, FL, Millington, TN, and Norfork, VA,

He served on many ships including USS Picking DD-685, USS Hollister DD-788, USS Topeka CLG-8, USS Canopus AS-34, USS Mount Whitney LLC-20, USS Yellowstone AD-41.

After retiring he co-owned and operated a landscaping and tree moving business in Virginia before relocating to the Dallas, TX area. There he worked for Pinnacle Group Property Management Company overseeing over a 300-unit apartment complex. Then he worked for L3 Harris Aerospace & Defense Technology Company in Greenville, TX.

In 2018 he relocated back to his beloved Mississippi, buying a home in Slate Springs. There he loved working on his land with his many “boy toys” until his health failed him.

Paul had a passion for fishing and hunting, belonging to several Bass Fishing Clubs and Deer Hunting Clubs during his lifetime. He had quite a collection of guns and found pleasure in gifting them to his buddies.

He loved to cook and could grill up some mighty fine meats.

In 2021 he married the love of his life for 40 years, Nancy Sutphin Miller of Munford, TN. where they shared their time between there and Slate Springs.

He leaves behind to cherish his memory his wife of 4 years, Nancy Ward, his daughter Teresa (Jeff) McNeil of Greenville, TX; 3 grandchildren: Jeffery McNeil of Raleigh, NC, Jimi McNeil of Alden, PA and Becca McNeil of San Marcos, TX; 6 sisters: Pam (Eddie) Helms of Slate Springs, MS, Dianne Daniel (Jan Pannell) of Millington, TN, Jackie (Kevin) Stone of Calhoun City, MS, Rita Willis of Calhoun City, MS, Susie (Kevin) Devine of Kenosha, WI, Kay Fridley of Grenada Hills, CA;

2 brothers: David (Martha) Ward of Memphis, TN, Phil (Patty) Ward of The Colony, TX : the mother of his daughter and lifelong friend, Rebecca Grass of Rockwall, TX and a host of nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Mary Bryant and Truman Ward and a brother: Jeffery Ward of Kenosha, WI.

There will be a catered Celebration of Life on Saturday, May 16, 2026 from 2 until 5 pm at Macedonia Baptist Church in Calhoun City, MS. for all family and friends.

04/10/2026

Lea T. Adams, 66, passed away in Lexington, Kentucky on Wednesday, April 1, 2026. Born January 23, 1960 in Philadelphia, Mississippi, she was the daughter of Charles Sloan and the late Barbara Bailey Sloan. She was a 1978 graduate of Neshoba Central High School. Lea chose to pursue a career in Education, and earned a Master’s Degree in that field. While at Clark College she met her husband of nearly 47 years, Bobby Adams, and they married on June 23, 1979. Lea retired as a music teacher after 20-plus years of dedicated service.

Faith and family were the two most important thing in Lea’s life. She was known for her deep devotion to Jesus Christ, and her unwavering love and loyalty to her family and friends. She attended Pleasant Ridge Baptist Church. She also had a deep passion for music, and she made it huge part of her life, sharing it with other any chance she could. Her family and friends will always remember her sense of humor, her wit, her fierce loyalty to those she loved, and her laugh. Lea touched many people throughout her life, and those who knew her will forever have her memory in their hearts.

Pryor Funeral Home is honored to serve Lea’s family.

Graveside services will be held on Saturday, April 11, 2026 at 12:00pm at Reedy’s Chapel Baptist Church Cemetery, with Bro. Cecil Fayard officiating. Visitation will be held prior to the graveside services, from 11:00am to the service time.

She is survived by her father, Charles Sloan; husband, Bobby Adams; daughters, Amber Harwell of Tupelo and Candace Adams of Clarksville, Tennessee; sister, Monica Smith; 4 grandchildren; and 1 great-grandchild.

She was preceded in death by her mother, Barbara Sloan; and son, Aaron Adams.

Expressions of sympathy may be left for the family at

Welcome to Pryor Funeral Home. Since 1906 , Pryor Funeral Home has provided dedicated and compassionate care to families of Calhoun City and surrounding communities. Proudly Serving the Communities of Calhoun City, Vardaman, Bruce, Derma, Slate Springs, Big Creek, ALL of Calhoun County.

04/10/2026

Kenny Jones, 68, passed away at his home in Big Creek on Wednesday, April 8, 2026.

Visitation all be held on Sunday, April 12, 2026, from 1:00pm to 3:00pm at Pryor Funeral Home.

A private graveside service will follow the visitation.

A complete obituary will be posted as soon as it becomes available.

Please keep the Jones family in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.

04/04/2026

Wilma Lee Tutor Swanson, 94, passed away at Bruce Community Living Center on Saturday, April 4, 2026.

Visitation will be held on Monday, April 6, 2026, from 1:00pm to 2:00pm at Pryor Funeral Home.

Funeral Services will he held on Monday, April 6, 2026, at 2:00pm at Pryor Funeral Home.

Please keep the Swanson family in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.

A complete obituary will be posted as soon as it becomes available.

03/14/2026

Virginia "Sister" Lofton, 94, passed away at Baptist Nursing Home in Calhoun City on Friday, March 13, 2026.

VISITATION will be held on Sunday, March 15, 2026, from 3:00pm until 5:00pm at Pryor Funeral Home in Calhoun City.

FUNERAL SERVICE will also be held on Sunday, March 15, 2026, at 5:00pm at the funeral home.

A complete obituary will be posted as soon as it becomes available.

Please keep Ms. Virginia's family in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.

03/12/2026

UPDATED OBITUARY-NANCY BROWN WHITE

Nancy Brown White, 64, passed away at Hardin Medical Center in Savannah, TN on Sunday, March 8, 2026. Born February 24, 1962, in Memphis, TN, she is the daughter of Ms. Bobbie Brown of Pontotoc and the late Rufus M. Brown. Nancy graduated from Chickasaw Academy in Houston in 1979,and continued her education at Itawamba Community College. Although she was a native of Pontotoc, she spent many years of her life in Savannah, TN.
Pryor Funeral Home has the honor of serving Nancy’s family.
Visitation will be held on Friday, March 13, 2026, from 1:00pm until 2:00pm at Pryor Funeral Home in Calhoun City. A private family Graveside Service will follow at Baldwin Memorial Gardens in Pontotoc with Bro. Jeff Flake officiating.
She leaves behind her mother, Ms. Bobbie Brown of Pontotoc; daughters, Stephanie Devall and her husband Chris of Bruce, and Casey White of Pittsboro; sisters, Patricia Brown of Jackson, and Kim Brown of Pontotoc; grandchildren, Eli Ward and Liam Devall; and a host of nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her father, Rufus M. Brown; brother, Ken Brown; and sister, Marilyn Brown.
Expressions of sympathy may be left for the family at

Welcome to Pryor Funeral Home. Since 1906 , Pryor Funeral Home has provided dedicated and compassionate care to families of Calhoun City and surrounding communities. Proudly Serving the Communities of Calhoun City, Vardaman, Bruce, Derma, Slate Springs, Big Creek, ALL of Calhoun County.

03/10/2026

Nancy Brown White, 64, passed away at Hardin Medical Center in Savannah, TN on Sunday, March 8, 2026.

VISITATION will be held on Friday, March 13, 2026, from 1:00pm until 2:00pm at Pryor Funeral Home in Calhoun City.

Private Interment will follow at Baldwin Memorial Gardens in Pontotoc.

A complete obituary will be posted as soon as it becomes available.

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

02/20/2026

UPDATED OBITUARY-LAURA LAUGHLIN

Laura Kathleen Ashe Laughlin, 97, passed away at BeeHive Homes of Starkville on Tuesday, February 17, 2026. Born November 4, 1928, in Strayhorn, MS, she was the daughter of the late Clyde Rhea Ashe and Katie Boland Ashe.
Growing up during the Great Depression as the youngest of her siblings, Laura was affectionately known as “Blondie” for her bright blonde hair. She was blessed to have her mother, Katie, as a constant part of her life for many years, as Katie lived to be 106; that same strength and longevity were mirrored in Laura’s own 97 years. After attending Strayhorn Primary School and Northwest Community College, she married her husband, Carl Laughlin, in 1948. They shared over 60 years of loving devotion to each other until his passing in 2008.
Laura was the embodiment of a Southern lady, quietly observing the laws of etiquette and ensuring her home was always a place of welcome. A woman of intentional kindness, she was remarkable at remembering birthdays and special occasions, always taking the time to write thoughtful thank-you notes. She was a constant source of encouragement, offering support and advice that was always rooted in Scripture and delivered through the lens of Grace.
Laura cherished a remarkably close relationship with all of her siblings and their spouses. Whether they were traveling together or gathered around a table for a lively game of Rook, her family was her greatest joy. Her doors were always open to family and friends alike.
In 1966, she and Carl moved to Calhoun City to operate Calhoun Parts, Inc. (NAPA). While she helped with the store, her primary focus was raising her children and serving her community. A faithful member of Lewis Memorial Methodist Church, she helped with the building committee and was among those who helped start the church daycare. She was a firm believer in supporting her church, her local schools, and the community she called home.
Laura truly enjoyed laughing and lived a life full of simple pleasures. She could often be found walking, reading, or working on crossword puzzles. She loved being outside tending to her flowers, but above all, she was fiercely protective of and devoted to her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Pryor Funeral Home has the honor of serving the Laughlin family.
A Funeral Service celebrating her life will be held on Sunday, February 22, 2026, at 3:00pm at Lewis Memorial Methodist Church in Calhoun City. There will also be Visitation on Monday from 2:00pm until service time at the Church. Bro. Johnny Bowlin will be officiating. Interment will be at Brooks Chapel Cemetery near Coldwater, MS.
Serving as pallbearers will be Jobi Cook, Jess Moore, Mike Beasley, Jerry Moore, Wess Laughlin, and Day Dantzler, Jr.
She leaves behind her daughter, Laura Jo Laughlin Dantzler and her husband Day of Orlando, FL; son, David Laughlin and his wife Lynn of Madison; grandchildren, Wess Laughlin, Annie Busby, Lauren Ashe (Jason) Haydu, William Laughlin, and Day (Tara) Dantzler, Jr; great-grandchildren, Laura Loy Busby, Fraley Busby, Ryder Haydu, Ashe Haydu, and John Tate Haydu; and sister-in-law, Louis Ashe of Tunica, MS.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Clyde and Katie Ashe; brothers, Howard Ashe, Robert Binford Ashe, and Harvey Ashe; and her sister, Mable Ashe.
The family would like to extend special thanks to Dana Wells for her love and care throughout the years.
In lieu of flowers , donations may be made to Lewis Memorial Methodist Church or Brooks Chapel Cemetery Fund.
Expressions of sympathy may be left for the family at

Welcome to Pryor Funeral Home. Since 1906 , Pryor Funeral Home has provided dedicated and compassionate care to families of Calhoun City and surrounding communities. Proudly Serving the Communities of Calhoun City, Vardaman, Bruce, Derma, Slate Springs, Big Creek, ALL of Calhoun County.

02/19/2026

REVISED SERVICE DAY/TIME

REVISED SERVICE DAY/TIME*********

Laura Kathleen Ashe Laughlin, 97, passed away at BeeHive Homes of Starkville on Tuesday, February 17, 2026.

VISITATION will be held on Sunday, February 22, 2026, from 2:00pm until 3:00pm at Lewis Memorial Methodist Church in Calhoun City.

FUNERAL SERVICES will also be held on Sunday, February 22, 2026, at 3:00pm at Lewis Memorial Methodist Church in Calhoun City.

A complete obituary will be posted as soon as it becomes available.

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

02/18/2026

Alyson McKenzie Parker, 33, passed away on Monday, February 16, 2026.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, February 19, 2026, from 5:00pm to 8:00pm at Pryor Funeral Home.

Funeral Services will be held on Friday, February 20, 2026, at 10:00am at Pryor Funeral Home.

A complete obituary will be posted as soon as it becomes available.

Please keep the Parker family in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.