http://www.colonialchapellaurel.com/

Colonial Chapel Funeral Home, 4593 Indian Springs Road, Laurel, MS (2026)

03/31/2026

Bessie Lou Meadows, 93, a beloved resident of Laurel, Mississippi, passed away peacefully at her home on March 30, 2026. Born on May 28, 1932, in Sand Hill, MS, Bessie lived a full and cherished life surrounded by her family and friends.

Bessie was preceded in death by her husband, Robert C. Meadows, her son, Bobby Meadows, her mother, Jerline Blackwell, her stepfather, William Franklin Blackwell, her sister, Mary Evelyn Gaskin, and her brothers, Alton Blackwell, Maxey Blackwell, and Frank Blackwell.

She is survived by her loving daughters, Sherlye Graham and her husband Mike, Betty Hicks, Mary Ann Cook and her husband David, Sandra Poore and her husband Bit, and her son Ray Meadows and his wife Rosemarie. Bessie also leaves behind a sister, Betty Nell Miller and her husband James, a host of grandchildren and great-grandchildren, one great-great-grandchild, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, April 1, 2026, from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at the Colonial Chapel Funeral Home of Laurel. Funeral services will take place on Thursday, April 2, 2026, at 2:00 PM at the same location, followed by burial in Memorial Gardens Cemetery, Laurel, MS.

Pallbearers will include David Cook Jr., Rusty Rogers, Ethan Cook, Albert Coccia-Meadows, Caden Fletcher, and Cecilia “Sissy” Coccia-Meadows. Honorary pallbearers will be Leo Dunlevy, James Hall, Mike Graham, Travis Rogers, Mason Cook, David Benson, and Ray Meadows.

Bessie will be remembered for her warmth, kindness, and the love she shared with her family and friends. Her memory will live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved her.

03/26/2026

Phyllis Welch Pitts, of Ellisville, Mississippi, passed away on Wednesday, March 25, 2026, at South Central Regional Hospital in Laurel, Mississippi. Born on September 26, 1955, in Laurel, Mississippi, Phyllis was a beloved member of her community.

Phyllis was a Nurse for many years and enjoyed her work greatly and loved by many.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Mitchell Pitts; her parents, Roland W. and Tommie J. Welch; her sister, Cindy Welch Broadway; her grandparents, J.J. and Ruby J. Welch; and her niece, Chassity Brister.

Phyllis is survived by her sons, Brian Jordan of Laurel, Mississippi, and Dustin James of Mexico, along with a host of cousins and family who will cherish her memory.

A Memorial Service will be held at Trinity Baptist Church Shady Grove at a later date, with arrangements handled by Colonial Chapel Funeral Home of Laurel. Friends and family are invited to sign the online guestbook at www.colonialchapelfuneralhomelaurel.com.

Online guestbook may be signed at www.colonialchapelfuneralhomelaurel.com

03/23/2026

Mary Teresa Tisdale, 57, of Laurel, Mississippi literally ran peacefully into the arms of Jesus on Tuesday, March 17, 2026 at South Central Regional Medical Center.

Teresa was born on October 18, 1968 in Laurel, Mississippi to Gifford Lamar Flynt and Mary Sue Gatewood. She grew up in Laurel, Mississippi.

She met her loving husband, David, in 1991 and they were married for 35 wonderful years. Teresa was a stay-at-home mom, and then a homemaker once their children were grown. She loved animals – specifically her dog Macie and her cats, Cheeto and Puppy. Teresa loved cooking for her family – and made a delicious Thanksgiving dressing! She loved her granddaughter, Emma Faye.

She is survived by her husband, David Tisdale; her children Blake Tisdale (Brittany) and Cory Tisdale; her brother Gifford Flynt, Jr.; her uncles Sidney Flynt and Charles Flynt (Selena); and her granddaughter Emma Faye Tisdale.

She was preceded in death by her father Gifford Flynt; her mother Mary Sue Gatewood; her uncles Gary Flynt and Thomas Flynt.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, March 25, 2026 at 12:30 p.m. until 2:00 p.m. at Colonial Chapel in Laurel, Mississippi with a graveside service to follow at Indian Springs Baptist Church beginning at 2:00 p.m. Brother Keith Thompson will be officiating.

Pallbearers will be: Blake Tisdale, Joey Sampey, David Holified, David Gray, TC Sumrall, and Jacob Knight.

Mason Sampey will be an honorary pallbearer.

03/18/2026

Marilynn Pickering passed away on Sunday, March 15, 2026, at the age of 86, to be with Jesus Christ her Lord. Born on July 31, 1939, Marilynn was a beloved mother, grandmother, and sister.

She leaves behind her daughter, Delia Flynt and her husband Joe, her son, Neil Pickering and his wife Pam, and her cherished grandchildren, Lory Hosey and her husband David, Tyler Pickering and his wife Ashley, Joe Lee Flynt, and Paisley Carter and her husband Michael. Marilynn was also a proud great-grandmother to Michael Hosey, John Luke Hosey, Lyla Carter, and Kye Carter. She is survived by her brother, Paul Giles and his wife Ann.

Marilynn was predeceased by her beloved husband, Dewitt Pickering, her parents, Palmer Giles and Mary McCraney, and her brother, Jerry Giles.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, March 20, 2026, at 11:00am at Hebron Baptist Church in Soso, Mississippi. Visitation will take place on Thursday, March 19, 2026, from 5:00 to 7:00 at Colonial Chapel Laurel in Laurel, Mississippi. Dr. Brett Golson and Bro. Dennis Campbell will officiate the services, and burial will follow in Hebron Baptist Church Cemetery.

Serving as pallbearers will be Wilton Rogers and the Deacons of Hebron Baptist Church.

Marilynn's life was a testament to her faith and love for her family. She will be deeply missed by all who knew her.

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

03/18/2026

Douglas Myrick, 90, a resident of Moss, Mississippi, passed away peacefully at his home on Monday, March 16, 2026. Born on January 11, 1936, in Jasper County, Mississippi, Douglas lived a full and cherished life surrounded by his loved ones.

He is survived by his devoted wife, Joyce Ann Walters Myrick, his son Paul Douglas Myrick, and his daughter Marti Mechelle Myrick Brady. He also leaves behind his beloved grandchild, including Allen Brady, his brother Roy Hilton Myrick, and his sister Betty Myrick Wyatt, along with a host of nieces and nephews who will miss him dearly.

Douglas was preceded in death by his parents, J. P. and Mageline Myrick, who undoubtedly welcomed him with open arms.

A visitation will be held on Friday, March 20, 2026, from 1:00PM to 2:00PM at the First Church of God Moss in Moss, Mississippi, followed by funeral services at the same location at 2:00PM. He will be laid to rest at Moss Memory Gardens in Moss, MS. The services will be officiated by Bro. Paul Matte, with arrangements handled by Colonial Chapel Funeral Home of Laurel.

Pallbearers will be Mark Munn, Randy Windham, Keith Shelby, Robin Shelby, Jay Dixon and Randy Scitz.

Honorary pallbearers will be Charles Graham, Mark Windham, Jay Welborn, Buddy Bergin, Jerdan Welborn, Stoney Stringer and John C. Jackson.

Douglas will be remembered fondly by all who knew him, and his legacy will live on in the hearts of his family and friends.

Thank You to all of Deaconess Hospice team. You all went above and beyond providing care for him. Love you all. Thanks again

03/17/2026

Helen L. Mullinax
( June 5, 1932 - March 17, 2026 )

Helen L. Mullinax, of Stringer, Mississippi, passed away Tuesday, March 17, 2026, at Jasper General Nursing Home in Bay Springs, Mississippi. She was born Sunday, June 5th, 1932, in Talladega, Alabama.

Visitation will be held on Friday, March 20th, 2026, from 5:00 PM until 7:00 PM at the Colonial Chapel Funeral Home of Laurel in Laurel, Mississippi. Funeral Services will be at 10:00AM, Saturday, March 21st, 2026, Burial will follow in Mullinax Family Cemetery in Stringer, MS. Bro. Paul Matte will officiate. Colonial Chapel Funeral Home of Laurel is in charge of arrangements. (601) 649-3342.

She was preceded in death by her husband Rev. Johnny Joe Mullinax; parents, Floyd and Ada Pullen, Son- In-Law, Sonny Bufkin, brothers, Edward Pullen, George Pullen; sister, Dixie Meeks; grandson, Jerry Bridges; great -great grandson Oliver Ware.

Survivors include her daughter, Betty Meeks (James), son, Johnny Mullinax (Sara), son, Chris Mullinax, sister, Peggy Smith; 8 Grandchildren, 17 Great-grandchildren, and 22 Great-great-grandchildren.

Pallbearers will be Kyle Bufkin, Jonathan Bufkin, J.J Mullinax, Justin Welborn, Tyler Stephens, and Sam Ware

Honorary pallbearers will be Scooter Mullinax, Alan Gaddis, Dalton Bufkin, Leland Bufkin, and Braxton Bufkin.

Online guestbook may be signed at www.colonialchapelfuneralhomelaurel.com

03/16/2026

Terry Maxey Ainsworth, 70, of Laurel, MS, passed away peacefully on Monday, March 16, 2026, at Asbury Hospice House in Hattiesburg, Mississippi. Born on August 28, 1955, in Laurel, Mississippi, Terry was a beloved member of her community and family.

Terry worked for Dollar General for a number of years and was a volunteer firefighter and secretary at the Shady Grove Volunteer Fire Department.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Berry and Alice Maxey, sisters, Deborah Elaine Hartfield, Tina Williams, and Shelly Rebecca “Becky” Davis, and brother Frankie Maxey.

Terry is survived by Bobby Logan, sons Eric McAndrews (Kelly), Mark McAndrews, Michael Taylor (LaToya), Matt Taylor, and a host of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.

A Memorial service will be held at a later date. Terry will be dearly missed by all who knew her. Her family invites friends and loved ones to sign the online guestbook at www.colonialchapellaurel.com.

03/08/2026

Joe Larry Shelby, age 85, of Moss, Mississippi, passed away on March 7, 2026, at Asbury Hospice House in Hattiesburg, Mississippi, surrounded by the love of his family. Born on October 11, 1940, Joe Larry lived a life full of adventure and joy.

Joe Larry was preceded in death by his father, Cleo Shelby; his mother, Wilma Yelverton Shelby and his grandson Jesse Jones. He is survived by his loving wife of 64 years, Betty Ann Shelby and their four sons, Duane (Karen) Shelby, Robin (Shari) Shelby, Keith (Dodie) Shelby, Kyle (Kandi) Shelby and his sister Sandy (Wayne) Stonecypher.

Joe Larry also survived by his eight grandchildren, Derrick (Melissa) Shelby, Brian (Candice) Shelby, Brent (Rene) Shelby, Brandon (Stephanie) Shelby, Jonathan Shelby, Anna Shelby, Levi Jones, Kate Jones and with his seven great-grandchildren, Cannon, Brooklyn, Isaac, Hatley, Olivia, Eloise and Adeline; along with a host of nieces, nephews, extended family, and many dear friends.

Joe Larry was truly larger than life, he will be greatly remembered by his "firm-break your hand" handshakes and his avid passion for the outdoors especially, c**n hunting. He was a member of Moss First Church of God, a service member of the Army National Guard, a member of the Jasper County Rac**n Hunters Association, a member of the Mississippi Rac**n Hunters Association and had a long-time career of 32-1/2 years with Southern Pine Electric Power Association from 1966-1999. After retiring from Southern Pine EPA in early 2000, Joe spent most of his time at the "old place" in Smith County where he enjoyed his retirement at the family cabin deep in the hills of Smith County near the Leaf River.

Although he is gone from this world, “Papaw Jobie” will live on forever through his laughter, the unforgettable stories, and the memories made with his family and his friends that will carry with them forever. Papaw Jobie was a God-fearing Christian that was acknowledged by all of those who encountered him during his daily walk of life.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, March 11, 2026, from 12:00PM until 3:00PM at Colonial Chapel Funeral Home of Laurel, 4593 Indian Springs Rd, Laurel, MS. The funeral service will follow at 3:00 pm at the same location, with a private graveside service at Moss Memory Gardens Cemetery in Moss, Mississippi. Bro. Kevin Williamson, Bro. Joe Gullick and Blaine "Bo" Eaton will officiate the services.

Pallbearers will be Derrick Shelby, Brent Shelby, Brian Shelby, Brandon Shelby, Jonathan Shelby, and Levi Jones.

Honorary Pallbearers will be Cannon Shelby, Dr. Wayne Stonecypher, Mitchell Shelby, Wesley East, Charles Graham, Burnice Graham, Howard Robertson, Coburn Yelverton, Lewis Harper, Bo Eaton, Tuddy Spradley and Tripp Eaton.

The family would like to send special thanks to his caregiver, Rosetta Jones, and to the Veterans Home in Collins, MS.

03/05/2026

Harold “Mike” Gardner, 63, of Laurel, passed away on Monday, March 2, 2026, at Forrest General Hospital.

Mike was an avid outdoorsman who loved to hunt and fish. He enjoyed spending time with his family, and he will be missed immensely.

Mike was preceded in death by his grandparents, Big Henry and Ida “Vicky” Drummond, and his mother, Lois Jean Gardner.

He is survived by his loving wife, Donna Alexander; his father, Walter Gardner; his sister, Teresa “Tecie” Evans and her husband Donnie; his son, Jason Gardner and his wife Michelle; his stepdaughter, Michelle “Missy” Carr; his grandchildren, Jacob Gardner and his wife Brook, Shaun Gardner and his wife Elana, Kaitlyn Moore, and Kya Robinson-Carr; his great-grandchildren, Ava Gardner and baby boy Jace Gardner due in August; his niece, Tiffany Hill and her husband Wesley; and his nephew, Cory Evans and his wife Laura.

Funeral services for Mike will be held at a later date.

03/02/2026

Gwendolyn C. Stokes 81, of Laurel, MS, passed away peacefully on Sunday, March 1, 2026, at Comfort Care in Laurel, MS. She was born on August 4, 1944 in, Kemper County, Mississippi, lived a long and fulfilling life.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Ernest and Willie Mae Cumberland; son, Heath Miller; sisters, Shirley Jackson, Delores Wigington, Shelia Luker.

She is survived by her husband of 44 years, Odell Stokes; sons, Tim Stokes (Brenda), Joey Stokes (Janet), Clay Welborn, Stacy Welborn, and Chance Stokes (Anna); daughter, Darlene Dean (Johnny); sister, Judy Sellers: grandsons, Will Welborn, Jacob Rogers (Lindsey), Justin Stokes, Brock Cochran, Chase Cochran, and Austin Stokes; grand-daughters, Taylor Welborn, Summer Randolph, Julie Rayner ( Billy), Sabrina Stokes, Harli Cotton (Kade), Kayla Andrews (Chris), Kimberly Carlisle (William), Keri Hans (Garold), a host of great-grandchildren and nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held on, March 4,2026 from 2:00PM to 3:00PM at Colonial Chapel Laurel in Laurel, Mississippi. Funeral services will follow at 3:00 PM at same location, with burial at SpringHill Baptist Church Cemetery in Laurel, Mississippi. Bro. Kenny Morris and Bro. Kevin Luker will officiate the services.

Pallbearers will be, Greg Wigington, Byron Luker, Brock Cochran, Chris Andrews, Eli Andrews, and William Carlisle.
The family would like to give a special thanks to the staff of Comfort Care Nursing Center of Laurel.

Arrangements are under the care of Colonial Chapel of Laurel.

03/02/2026

Barbara Ann Russell, 78, of Laurel, MS, passed away peacefully on Saturday, February 28, 2026, at her home. Born on August 4, 1947, in Louisville, Mississippi, Barbara was a beloved member of her community and family.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Bobby Ray Russell, Sr.; her father, William Thomas Haggard, Sr.; and her mother, Margie Hisaw Brewer (Adron).

Barbara is survived by her loving family, including her son, Bobby Russell, Jr. and his wife Robin; her daughter, Donna Jones and her husband Chris; her brother, William Thomas Haggard, Jr.; and her sisters, Linda Rayborn and Brenda Purvis with her husband Phil. She was a cherished grandmother to Krista Jones, Shannon Jones, Malcolm Russell and his wife Maddy, and Brandon Russell and his fiancé Brianna. Her legacy continues with her great-grandchildren, Kaden Brooks, Bentley Harris and her husband Dalton, Lexus Jones, Camry Jones, Adrian Jones, Ryder Jones, and Eil Jones, as well as her great-great-grandchildren, Bennett Russell and Jaxon Harris.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, March 3, 2026, from 5:00PM until 7:00PM at Colonial Chapel Funeral Home of Laurel, located at 4593 Indian Springs Rd, Laurel, MS. Funeral services will be conducted on Wednesday, March 4, 2026, at 11:00AM at the same location, with Tyler Powell officiating. Following the service, Barbara will be laid to rest at Sharon Cemetery in Laurel, Mississippi.

Barbara will be dearly missed by all who knew her. Her family invites friends and loved ones to sign the online guestbook at www.colonialchapellaurel.com.

02/24/2026

Peggy Bozeman Grice, 81, of Laurel, MS, passed away peacefully at her residence on Monday, February 23, 2026. Born on January 14, 1945, in Philadelphia, Mississippi, Peggy lived a life full of love and dedication to her family.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Rev. Morgan "Kent" Grice, her son Barry Kent Grice, and her parents, Herman A. Bozeman and Marie Williams Bozeman.

Peggy is survived by her daughter, Tanya Thrash and her husband Josh; her brothers, Dolen Bozeman and Buddy Bozeman with his wife Hazel Mae; her sister, Shirley Culberson; and her cherished grandchildren, Dalton Winans-Pruitt with his wife Danielle, Cameron Pruitt, Jessica Grice, Jamie Gambill with her husband Trent, Jordan Fugate with her husband Jonathan, Kaitlyn Pruitt, Morgan Pruitt, Abbie Todd with her husband Blake, and Audrey Thrash. She also leaves behind her great-grandchildren, Carson Knotts, Bentley Gambill, McKenna Fugate, Raylan Gambill, Jasper Fugate, and Dewey Winans-Pruitt.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, February 28, 2026, from 9:30 AM until 11:00 AM at Pine Ridge Baptist Church, located at 220 Service Rd, Laurel, Mississippi. Funeral services will follow at 11:00 AM at the same location, with Bro. Chad Cummins and Bro. Kole Johnson officiating. Peggy will be laid to rest at Spring Hill Baptist Church Cemetery in Laurel, MS.

Pallbearers will include Cameron Pruitt, Dalton Pruitt, Joshua Grice, Trent Gambill, Blake Todd, and Brian Ray Holifield, with honorary pallbearers Mike Purvis, Mark Shaw, and Richard Grice.

Arrangements are being handled by Colonial Chapel Funeral Home of Laurel. Friends and family are invited to sign the online guestbook at www.colonialchapellaurel.com.

Thanks to Lindy Windham, NP.

Also the wonderful angels and staff at Arden Hospice of Hattiesburg, for making moms last months easier and pain free, Jase Gordan, Santrice Youngblood, Lucy Chaney, Lacie Baker.

Colonial Chapel Funeral Home

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