Memorial Funeral Home & Crematory

11/02/2025

Martha McGahey

Martha Taylor McGahey, 73, of Columbus, Mississippi, passed away peacefully on October 30, 2025. A beloved mother, sister, aunt, and friend, Martha will be remembered for her wit, grace, and gentle strength that touched the lives of all who knew her.

Born on March 16, 1952, in El Dorado, Arkansas, Martha was the daughter of William Clayton and Gladys LeCroy Taylor. She grew up in a close-knit family alongside her sisters Julia Taylor McCleve, Joyce Taylor Robustelli, Ruth Taylor Berry, and her brother, George LeCroy Taylor. Her early years were marked by curiosity and resilience—traits that would guide her through a life filled with love, laughter, and discovery. Martha was a 1975 graduate of Mississippi University for Women, where she earned her B.A. in History. A year spent abroad in Italy with her sister Ruth deepened her lifelong love of travel and culture. She married Thomas Arthur McGahey III on July 23, 1977. They made their home in Columbus with their two children, Thomas Arthur McGahey IV and Patsy McGahey Schwarz (Dirk).

Martha’s humor, intelligence, and playfulness drew people to her, while her quiet strength, generosity of spirit, and her inimitable laugh left lasting impressions. She loved reading, movies, needlepoint, and the thrill of spontaneous adventures. Martha embraced modern technology long before it was common, always being the first to try the newest computer, gadget, or gaming device. Whether immersed in a good book, playing a round of Tetris, or sharing stories with loved ones, she brought warmth and wisdom to every moment.

She was preceded in death by her husband, her parents, and her brother. Martha is survived by her daughter, Patsy McGahey Schwarz of Steinach, Germany; her son, Thomas Arthur McGahey IV of Ocala, FL; and her sisters Ruth Taylor Berry of Columbus, Joyce Taylor Robustelli of Sheridan, Arkansas, and Julia Taylor McCleve of Gilbert, Arizona. Martha is also survived by her two grandchildren Thomas Arthur McGahey V and Annabella Taylor McGahey as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

The family wishes to express its heartfelt appreciation to Trinity Health Care and all of their staff, who lovingly cared for Martha in the final years of her life.

A graveside service honoring Martha’s life will be held Wednesday, November 5, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. at Friendship Cemetery in Columbus, Mississippi.

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11/01/2025

10/30/2025

Sidney Thompson

Sidney Lamar Thompson, Jr., age 70, of Columbus, MS, passed away October 29, 2025, at his residence. Graveside services will be Saturday, November 1, 2025, at 11:00 AM at Curtis Chapel Cemetery in Oktibbeha County with Rev. Mike Dalton officiating. Visitation will be Saturday, November 1, 2025, from 10:00 AM until 10:30 AM at Memorial Funeral Home & Crematory.

Mr. Thompson was born January 30, 1955, in Columbus, MS, to Mary Blankenship Thompson of Columbus, MS, and the late Sidney Lamar Thompson, Sr. He was a graduate of Caldwell High School and attended East Mississippi Community College in Scooba, MS. Mr. Thompson served in the United States Army and retired from Kerr McGee. He was a member of Immanuel Baptist Church.

Survivors include his mother, Mary Blankenship Thompson of Columbus, MS, daughter, Courtney Renee Thompson of Columbus, MS, brothers, Kenny Thompson of Columbus, MS, and Glenn Thompson and his wife Melanie of Lebanon, TN, sisters, Dr. Teresa Thompson of Columbus, MS, and Mary Helen Hawkins and her husband Eddie of Columbus, MS, and numerous grandchildren.

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10/25/2025

Joe Banks Thompson

Joe Banks Thompson, age 65, of Manila, AR, passed away October 23, 2025, at St. Bernards Hospital in Jonesboro, AR. Funeral services will be Saturday, November 8, 2025, at 1:00 PM at Annunciation Catholic Church of Columbus, MS, with Father Jeffrey Waldrep officiating. The interment will immediately follow at Memorial Gardens of Columbus. Visitation will be Friday, November 7, 2025, from 5:00 - 7:00 PM at Memorial Funeral Home & Crematory, 716 2nd Ave. North, Columbus, MS, 39701.

Mr. Thompson was born August 18, 1960, in Vernon, AL, to Charlene Head Thompson of Columbus, MS, and the late John Ramon Thompson, Sr. He was a graduate of New Hope High School and Mississippi State University. Joe worked several years at Marathon Equipment Company before moving to Columbus Rubber & Gasket. He moved to Manila, AR in 2016 where he was employed with RGA of Blytheville, AR. He enjoyed attending his grandkids extra-curricular events, spending time with his family and friends, fishing and attending Alabama football games.

Survivors include his mother, Charlene Head Thompson of Columbus, MS, daughters, April Beasley and her husband Adam of Manila, AR, Charli Thompson of Columbus, MS, and Jessica Havis and her husband Jarad of Manila, AR, brothers, Gerald Lang and his wife Terry of Chattanooga, TN, John Ramon Thompson, Jr. and his wife Linnea of Ethelsville, AL, Charles Thompson and his wife Kathi of Columbus, MS, and Scott Thompson and his wife Ann of Columbus, MS, and 7 grandchildren.

Pallbearers will be John R Thompson, Jr., Scott Thompson, Gerry Lang, Gavin Tomlinson, Tripp Havis, and Bo Thompson. Honorary pallbearers are Jarad Havis, Wallace Richardson, Cody Shappley, Jim Thompson and Robert Thompson, Jr.

Memorials may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital 501 St. Jude Place Memphis, TN 38105

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10/22/2025

Frankie Young

Willis Franklin "Frankie" Young, age 71, passed away on Wednesday, October 22, 2025 at his residence in Steens, MS. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, October 25, 2025 at 1:00pm at Memorial Funeral Home Chapel with Bro. Allen Jones, officiating and Bro. Steve Yarbrough, assisting; burial will follow at Woodlawn Church of Christ Cemetery. Visitation will be from 12:00 to service time at the funeral home. Memorial Funeral Home & Crematory is in charge of arrangements.

Frankie was born on March 8, 1954 in Columbus, MS to the late Murl T. Young, Sr. and Edna Dean Young. He owned and operated Frankie's Pawn and Gun in Reform, AL from 1990-2020. He was a devoted Christian, husband, and father, and a member of Woodlawn Church of Christ. Frankie enjoyed fishing and hunting.

He is survived by his wife, Kathy Hill Young; sons, Dewayne Young (Robyn) and Derrick Young (Courtney); sister, Gloria Taylor (Donald), and grandchildren, Austin Braswell, Chandler Young, Leyton Young, and Benton Young. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brothers, Murl T. Young, Jr. and John David Young.

Pallbearers will be Chandler Young, Austin Braswell, Brandon Bushey, David Taylor, Jake McKinney, and Chris Clardy. Honorary pallbearers will be Leyton Young and Benton Young.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Frankie's honor to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital 501 St. Jude Place Memphis, Tn 38105.

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10/22/2025

Tommy Page

Thomas Young “Tommy” Page, age 72, of Columbus, MS, passed away on Wednesday, October 22, 2025 surrounded by his loving family at home in Starkville, MS. The visitation will be Monday, October 27, 2025 from 1pm to 2:30pm at First Methodist Church in Columbus, MS. The funeral service will follow at 2:30 with Vaughn Stafford officiating. Interment will be at Friendship Cemetery in Columbus, MS following the service. Memorial Funeral Home & Crematory is entrusted with the arrangements. Tommy was born in Columbus, MS on March 18, 1953 to the late WJ Page and Ruth Page. He attended Joe Cook Jr. High School where he met Carley Sims in seventh grade and they have been together ever since. At Mississippi State University, Tommy joined the SAE fraternity where he formed many lifelong friendships, and proudly escorted Carley as Homecoming Queen in 1974. After earning his law degree from the University of Mississippi, Tommy practiced insurance defense law, eventually co-founding Page, Kruger and Holland, where he earned an AV Preeminent rating from Martindale-Hubbell and was recognized as a Fellow of the Mississippi Bar Foundation. He served his country with distinction as a JAG officer in the United States Army Reserve, retiring as Lieutenant Colonel after 30 years of service. A man of deep faith, Tommy served as a deacon and elder at Lakeside Presbyterian Church and later attended Pinelake Church. His faith wasn’t just something he talked about; it was woven into how he lived - putting others first, serving without seeking recognition, loving without reservation. Tommy loved Mississippi State with a passion that can’t be overstated. The maroon and white ran deep in our family. After retiring at 64, Tommy and Carley moved to Starkville to be near their alma matter. They spent wonderful years at the Hump, the Dude, and the Junction, surrounded by Bulldogs and memories. Tommy, or “Pop”, as he was known to his grandchildren, loved to laugh and joke and love on his people. That’s his legacy - not the accomplishments or accolades - but the way he made people feel seen, valued, and loved.

He is survived by his wife of fifty years, Carley Sims Page of Starkville; his sons Barrett (Julie) of Brandon, MS; Thomas (Jessi) of Lake Tahoe, CA; and Sims of Austin, TX; granddaughter Kylie Page of Madison, MS; and grandsons Jackson Page and Palmer Horn of Brandon, MS. He is also survived by his sisters, Penny Cherry (Ron) and Martha Webb (James); and an extended family who loved him dearly.

Pallbearers will be Barrett Page, Thomas Page, Sims Page, Palmer Horn, Jackson Page, and Kylie Page.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association in Tommy’s name at the link below. https://events.alz.org/fundraisers/carleypage/in-loving-memory-of-tommy-page-- march-18--1953---october-22--2025

We love you better than snuff, Pop!

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10/21/2025

Shirley Grant

Shirley Ann Grant, age 78, passed away on Saturday, October 18, 2025 at her residence in Columbus. Visitation will be held Sunday, October 26, 2025 from 12:00 to 2:00pm at Memorial Funeral Home. The family will have a private family graveside service, with Pastor Luke Lawson officiating. Memorial Funeral Home & Crematory has been entrusted with arrangements.

Mrs. Grant was born on November 21, 1946 in West Palm Beach, FL to the late Jean McNeer and Clyde Wooten. She retired from the Civil Service after 35 years in Computer Programming. Shirley enjoyed quilting, cooking, and making soap as a hobby. She attended Kolola Springs Baptist Church.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Mike Grant and her sister, Wanda Cummins. She is survived by her sons: Shaun Murphy (Anne) and Chris Murphy (Ana); 3 step sons: Andy Grant (Candy), Eric Grant (Amanda), and Alex Grant (Amy); 1 step daughter: Erin Butler (Haig); sister, Donna Davis; 9 grandchildren: Katie Baty (Josh), Bailey Halverson (Jake), Brayden Grant, Cullen Grant, Blakeney Butler, Emma Grace Shaw (Drake), Jackson Butler (Haylie), Marshall Tomlinson (Faith), and Jack Murphy; and 7 great grandchildren: Coralaine Baty, Lillian Baty, Anderson Baty, Evelyn Halverson, Rhett Shaw, Lillien Scout Tomlinson, and Eleanor Tomlinson.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital: 501 St. Jude Place Memphis, TN 381025.

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10/21/2025

Doug A. Yelverton

Douglas Anderson Yelverton, Sr., age 84 passed away Tuesday, October 21, 2025, peacefully in his sleep in Columbus, MS. Doug was born November 14, 1940, to Peter Anderson (P.A.) Yelverton and Lenore Stover Yelverton in Mayhew. Services will be held Friday, October 24, 2025 with visitation at 10:00 until the service at 11:00 at Main Street Presbyterian Church; burial will follow at the Mayhew Cemetery.

He was a graduate of S. D. Lee High School and Mississippi State University with a master’s in Dairy Science. Doug started an agriculture career with registered Jersey dairy cattle and over the years row cropped until most recently raising beef cattle until retiring in 2022. He was recognized by many organizations as a careful and meticulous cattleman. Doug was a member of the Mississippi Cattlemen’s Association, and on the Board of Directors of Lowndes County Farm Bureau since 1967. He was honored to receive the 2015 Mississippi Farm Bureau Federation’s Excellence in Leadership Award. Doug prided himself in sharing his cattle and farming knowledge with young people beginning careers in the industry further promoting the need for future farmers and cattlemen. In recent years, Doug became a Bulldog baseball enthusiast always hopeful of the next trip to Omaha!

Doug is preceded in death by his parents, P.A. and Lenore Yelverton and son, Douglas Anderson (Bubbie) Yelverton, Jr.(Patty). Doug is survived by his wife of 63 years, Jean Herrington Yelverton; daughter, Mary Grey Fletcher (Robert); sister, Bess Swedenburg; along with many nieces, great nieces and nephews, and great, great nieces and nephews. Pallbearers will be Anderson Dingus, Penn Kennedy, Stan Kennedy, Landon Kilpatrick, Rodney Dowdy, Matt Eller, Michael Freely, Dennis Speed, and Craig Canull. Memorials may be made to Main Street Presbyterian Church, P.O. Box 26, Columbus, MS 39703, St. Jude Children's Hospital, or the Mayhew Cemetery.

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10/20/2025

Fred Shepherd

FRED SHEPHERD

Freddie Neil “Fred” Shepherd age 75 died Monday October 20, 2025 at his residence in Columbus. Services will be held Thursday October 23, 2025 at 3:00 p.m. at Pleasant Hill Baptist Church, with Dr. Bill Hurt officiating; burial with U.S. Navy Honors will follow in the church cemetery. Visitation will be held Thursday from 1:00 p.m. until service time at the church.

Mr. Shepherd was born on July 20, 1950 in Columbus to the late Lee Edward Shepherd and Annie Laurie Gibson Shepherd. He was a member of Pleasant Hill Baptist Church and U.S. Navy Veteran. He was a retired employee of Brislin Inc., where he served as a HVAC technician for over 40 years. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his wife Rebecca “Becky” Shepherd.

Survivors include his children, Karen Pintican, (Emanuel), Steve Shepherd, (Morgan), and Neil Shepherd, Sister, Barbara Holliman, (Dennis), grandchildren, Cody Lane Shepherd, Gentry Faye Penley, and Judson Hayes Shepherd.

Serving as pallbearers will be, Cody Shepherd, Dennis Holliman, Larry Manzolillo, John Lancaster, Tommy Coleman, and Glyn Lowe

Serving as honorary pallbearers will be, Emanuel “Many” Pintican, Kevin Glusenkamp, and Guy Hammack

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