http://www.colonialchapellaurel.com/

Colonial Chapel Funeral Home, 4593 Indian Springs Road, Laurel, MS (2025)

12/19/2025

Ada Merle Jefcoat, 90, of Laurel, MS, passed away peacefully at her residence on Thursday, December 18, 2025. Born on February 19, 1935, in Soso, Mississippi, Ada lived a full and cherished life.

Merle owned and ran Little Angels Daycare in the 1970’s and 1980’s and was known by “Mama Merle”.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Arthur Bruce Jefcoat, her son Bruce Jefcoat, her parents John Lewis Holloway and Thelma Hancock Holloway, her brothers Leo Holloway and Lewis Holloway and her sister Corine Blackledge.

Ada is survived by her loving daughter, Terese Johnson and her husband Mark. She leaves behind her cherished grandchildren, Brian Johnson and his wife Michelle, and Dalton Jefcoat and his wife Emily. Ada was also a proud great-grandmother to Michael Johnson, Allie Johnson, Hunter Herrington and River Jefcoat, daughter-in-law, Rita Jefcoat, and she is remembered fondly by several step-grandchildren.

Visitation will be held on Monday, December 22, 2025, from 10:00 AM until 11:30 AM at Colonial Chapel Funeral Home of Laurel, located at 4593 Indian Springs Rd, Laurel, MS. Funeral services will follow at 11:30 AM at the same location, with Bro. Matt Olson officiating. Ada will be laid to rest at Sunset Gardens Cemetery in Laurel, Mississippi. Arrangements are under the care of Colonial Chapel Funeral Home of Laurel.

Pallbearers will include Brian Johnson, Mark Johnson, Michael Johnson, Dalton Jefcoat, Hunter Herrington and Cory Starcher.

Friends and family are invited to sign the online guestbook at www.colonialchapellaurel.com.

12/18/2025

Susan Rayner, 64, of Laurel, MS, entered into the presence of the Lord on Tuesday, December 16, 2025.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Garland and Betty D***s; and her brother, Michael D***s, all of Laurel, MS. She is survived by her husband of 35 years, Charles David Rayner of Laurel, MS; and her beloved daughter, Sherree Rayner of Hattiesburg, MS.

Susan was born on November 18, 1961 in Laurel. She graduated from West Jones High School and went on to earn degrees in nursing from Jones County Junior College, William Carey University, and The University of Mississippi Medical Center. She served in home health and as a school nurse before spending many years as a nursing instructor, ending her career at The University of Southern Mississippi. She touched the lives of countless nursing students and was passionate about guiding them to their full potential.

She is remembered for her free spirit and her love for her family and friends.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, December 20, 2025, from 11 AM - 1 PM at Colonial Chapel Funeral Home in Laurel. Funeral services will follow at 1 PM, with Rev. J.R. Eaton officiating. Susan will be laid to rest at Big Creek Baptist Church Cemetery in Soso, Mississippi.

12/04/2025

Jayden Shane “Boo Boo” Cooper, 19, of Ovett, Mississippi, passed away on Wednesday, December 3, 2025, at Forrest General Hospital in Hattiesburg, Mississippi. Born on Monday, August 21, 2006, in McComb, Mississippi, Jayden was a beloved son, brother, and grandson.

Boo Boo was an avid outdoorsman. He loved to hunt, fish and play golf and huge supporter of Ole Miss. He was a member of the “Fruncles” Golf Group, made up of friends, uncles, and cousins. He was selfless and caring with the biggest heart for everyone around him. Hotty Toddy.

He is survived by his father, Shane Cooper, and his mother, Misty Smith Sumrall, along with her husband Daniel. Jayden leaves behind his brothers, Hayden Smith and his wife Kadence, Jaxon Cooper, Hunter Sumrall and his wife Meredith, and Re*****on Sumrall. He is also survived by his sister, Daisy Ratliff, and her husband Jerrad. His grandparents, Buster and Rachel Cooper, and Debbie Sumrall and her husband Charlie, also mourn his passing, along with a host of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Visitation will be held on Monday, December 8, 2025, from 9:30 AM until 11:00 AM at The Rock Church, located at 635 Hwy 15 South, Laurel, MS. Funeral services will follow at 11:00 AM at the same location. Jayden will be laid to rest at 3:00 PM at First United Pentecostal Church Cemetery, 1117 Hwy 98 East, McComb, MS. The services will be officiated by Pastor Jerry Rowley, Pastor Josh Payne, Pastor Terry Ballard, and Pastor Jerry Terrell. Arrangements are being handled by Colonial Chapel Funeral Home of Laurel.

Pallbearers will be Hayden Smith, Hunter Sumrall, Re*****on Sumrall, Jaye Tyler Thomas, Jaxon Cooper, Kass Bell, Gavin Wade, Jordan Thomas, Jathan Thomas, Hunter Cooper, Jace Cooper, McKenzie Porter, Leuis Venavidez, and Ethan Touchstone.

Jayden will be remembered for his vibrant spirit and the joy he brought to those around him. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

11/27/2025

From our family to yours, we wish you a peaceful Thanksgiving filled with warmth and good company. Today, we reflect on how grateful we are for the trust this community places in us. May your day be full of cherished memories.

Happy Thanksgiving! 🍂🧡

11/23/2025

Joseph Ray Pryor, 59, of Laurel, MS, passed away on Saturday, November 22, 2025. He was born on April 5, 1966, in Waynesboro, Mississippi. Joseph was a beloved husband, father, brother, uncle and friend.

He is survived by his devoted wife, Tammy Rice Pryor and his son, Joseph Blake Pryor. He also leaves behind his brother, Jon Pryor (Lisa), his sister, Denise Pryor O'Leary, and his special aunt and uncle, Charles and Doll Waltman. Joseph was cherished by a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Joseph was preceded in death by his son, John Gabriel Pryor, his father, John “Theron” Pryor, his mother, Mary Walker Pryor, and his brother, Larry Walker Pryor.

Joe was an avid fisherman and Mississippi State fan attending games where his son marched in the Famous Maroon Band. He enjoyed traveling with his family and attending concerts.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, November 25, 2025, from 9:30 AM until 11:00 AM at Mount Zion Methodist Church, located at 652 Graves Road, Ellisville, MS. Funeral services will follow at 11:00 AM at the same location, with Bro. Dewayne Warren officiating. Joseph will be laid to rest at Lake Park Hills Cemetery in Laurel, Mississippi. Arrangements are being handled by Colonial Chapel Funeral Home of Laurel.

Pallbearers for the service will include Justin Pryor, Don Husbands, Eddie Malone, Billy Shirley, Steven Windham, and Richard Woolwine. Honorary pallbearers will be Kim Gooch and Thomas Meadows.

11/21/2025

Lawrence Gerald “L.G.” Miller, age 80, of Laurel, Mississippi, passed away on Thursday, November 20, 2025, at South Central Regional Medical Center following a brief illness. He was born on August 8, 1945, in Eunice, Louisiana, to Zannie and Mamie Bertrand
Miller, both of whom preceded him in death.

L.G. proudly served his country as a medical corpsman with the U.S. Army’s 101st Airborne Division during the Vietnam War. For his bravery, he was awarded the Bronze Star Medal with Valor and the Purple Heart Medal for wounds received in combat. After returning
home, he met and married the love of his life, Deborah “Debbie” Taylor Miller, in 1970 in Laurel. Debbie faithfully and joyfully served him throughout their marriage until her passing in June 2024. He was also preceded in death by his brothers, Rodney Miller,
Sr. and Charles Miller, and his sister, Wanda Marshall.

L.G. is survived by his daughter, Kappy Rushing and her husband John of Laurel; his son, Kyle Miller and his wife Stephanie of Washington, North Carolina; and his beloved grandchildren and great-grandchildren: Kaleb Travis, his wife Jolee, and their daughters
Scarlett, Swayzie, and Sunday of Kilgore, Texas; Madison Murray, her husband Alex, and their son Ryker of Springhill, Tennessee; and Taylor Miller and Brittyn Miller, both of Washington, North Carolina.

He is also survived by his brothers Bernard Miller and wife Robin of Church Point, Louisiana; Terry Comeaux of Eunice, Louisiana; and Bruce Miller of Biloxi, Mississippi; his sisters Norma Sonnier of Welsh, Louisiana, and Renella “Reno” Cambre and husband Steve
of D’Iberville, Mississippi; along with many cherished nieces and nephews and their families.

Visitation will be held Sunday, November 23, 2025, from 5:00 PM until 8:00 PM at Colonial Chapel Funeral Home in Laurel, located at 4593 Indian Springs Road. A graveside service with military honors will take place Monday, November 24, 2025, at 11:00 AM at
Sunset Gardens in Laurel. The service will be officiated by longtime friend Bro. Keith Wilkerson of Kilgore, Texas, and Bro. Shane Singleton of Parkview Baptist Church of Laurel. Arrangements are entrusted to Colonial Chapel Funeral Home of Laurel.

The family extends their sincere appreciation to South Central Regional Medical Center for the exceptional clinical and nursing care provided by the staff of EmServ, the Emergency Department, the Intensive Care Unit, and Third West. They offer special thanks
to Dr. Michael McCain, Dr. Joel Shores, and Nurse Practitioners Erica Windham and Madison Brewer for their compassion, dedication, and attentive support during L.G.’s final days. In lieu of flowers, the family invites those who wish to honor L.G.’s memory
to consider a memorial donation to South Central Health Care Foundation, either online or by calling 601-399-0503.

11/17/2025

Peggy Ann Crowe, 87, of Laurel, Mississippi, passed away peacefully on Monday, November 17, 2025, at the Comfort Care Nursing Center in Laurel. Born on June 18, 1938, in Jones County, Mississippi, Peggy lived a full and cherished life.

Peggy became a bookkeeper in the auto industry as a late teenager, and continued advancing to become office manager in the auto, then oil field, then timber industries. She completed her working life as a resident manager in real estate. Known for her strong will and determination, she mentored and taught many coworkers.

She was a true BIG sister, who looked after, provided for, and pushed her siblings toward a better life. She loved her family and was always available to provide advice and guidance for them. She will be greatly missed by her family.

She was preceded in death by her mother, Iva Lee Montgomery; her sisters, Gloria June Richardson and Lanita Kaye Montgomery; and her step-father, J.V. Montgomery, Sr.
Peggy is survived by her loving brothers, J.V. Montgomery, Jr. and Billy Montgomery and his wife Darlene. She will be dearly missed by her family, including her great nephews who will serve as pallbearers.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, November 20, 2025, from 11:00 AM until 1:00 PM at Colonial Chapel Funeral Home of Laurel, located at 4593 Indian Springs Rd, Laurel, MS. Funeral services will follow at 1:00 PM at the same location, with Bro. Robby Johnson officiating. Peggy will be laid to rest at Memorial Gardens Cemetery in Laurel, Mississippi. Arrangements are under the care of Colonial Chapel Funeral Home of Laurel, and condolences may be shared online at their website.

11/12/2025

Mary Ruth Williams, 86, of Stringer, MS, passed away peacefully at her residence on Tuesday, November 11, 2025. Born on August 31, 1939, in Raleigh, Mississippi, Mary lived a full and cherished life surrounded by her loving family.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Willie B. Williams, her son Phil Williams, and daughter Patsy Phillips. She was also preceded in death by her parents, Charlie and Ruthie Bowen Easterling, and her siblings, Will, Otis, Andrew, Hollis, Ralph, and Dan Easterling, as well as Velma Buffington, Gladys Smith, Roberta Whatley, and Aundean Hegwood.

Mary is survived by her sons, Ferlen Williams and his wife Judy, Willie Paul Williams, and her daughter, Diane Sumrall. Her legacy continues through her grandchildren, Felicia Dawn Kitchens, Chris Williams and his wife Shannon, Burl Sumrall, Crystal Sumrall, Shay Bates, Shonda Mann and her husband Scott, and Chrissy Williams, along with a host of great-grandchildren and great- great grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, November 14, 2025, with visitation from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM at Colonial Chapel Funeral Home of Laurel, located at 4593 Indian Springs Rd, Laurel, MS. The funeral service will follow at 12:00 PM at the same location, with Bro. Jerry Rowley officiating. Mary will be laid to rest at Liberty Baptist Cemetery in Stringer, Mississippi.

Pallbearers will include Mason Bates, Hunter Mann, Tanner Sumrall, Chris Williams, and Jackson Mann, with honorary pallbearers Chase Sumrall, Burl Sumrall, Wyatt Williams, and Brayden Crosby.

Mary's family invites friends and loved ones to sign the online guestbook at www.colonialchapellaurel.com.

11/11/2025

On this Veterans Day, we pause to honor the brave men and women who have worn the uniform of the United States. Your unwavering commitment, courage, and sacrifice have protected the freedoms we cherish every day.

To all our veterans, past and present: thank you. We are eternally grateful for your service to our nation.

11/10/2025

Alberta Deriecee Poole Perry was born on January 14, 1935, in Laurel, Jones County, Mississippi, to Issac L. Poole and Gatha D. Slaughter. She was second of three children. She grew up in Jones County, where she met her first husband, James Cargile Buckley. They were married on August 21, 1950, and together they had seven children. In 1974, she married her second husband, Kearney R. Perry and moved to Pensacola, Florida, where she finished raising her children.

Along with being a mother to seven, Deriecee held various jobs over the years, including working as a CNA at a nursing home in Laurel, at R&R Salvage in Laurel and later at a Vending company and Walmart in Pensacola. After her children were grown, she proudly went back to school to earn her GED.

Crafting was one of her greatest joys and talents. She created many beautiful pieces over the years, often sharing her work as gifts with family and friends. She also loved music and dancing including square dancing, finding joy in creativity, rhythm and connection with others.

Deriecee had an interest in Native American culture and teachings and valued the traditions she learned about. She was also an active member of the Eastern Star organization and enjoyed being part of its mission and community.

She was the proud grandmother of 26 grandchildren and many great-grandchildren and great- great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Issac L. Poole and Gatha D. Slaughter, her brother Royston L. Poole, her husband’s James C. Buckley and Kearney R. Perry, her children Johnnie L. Buckley, Michael P. Buckley, Issac L. Buckley Sr, grandchildren, great- grandchildren and in- laws. Her memory will remain alive in her children Gatha D. White (Lonnie), Rory Z. Buckley, Deriecee Swift (Jim), Victor L. Buckley.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, November 11, 2025 from 9:30AM until 11:00AM at Colonial Chapel Funeral Home of Laurel in 4593 Indian Springs Rd, Laurel, MS. Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, November 11, 2025 at 11:00AM at Colonial Chapel Funeral Home of Laurel in Laurel, MS. Burial will follow in Memorial Gardens Cemetery in Laurel, Mississippi. Bishop Bradley Spiers will officiate. Colonial Chapel Funeral Home of Laurel is in charge of arrangements. 601-649-3342

Deriecee will be remembered for her fiery spirit, her creativity, and her commitment to her faith. She will be deeply missed and forever loved.

11/06/2025

Larry Watson Kitchens, 74, of Laurel, MS, passed away peacefully at his residence on Thursday, November 6, 2025. Born on December 1, 1950, in Laurel, Mississippi, Larry spent his life in the community he loved.

He is survived by his devoted wife of 44 years, Sarah Clark Kitchens, and his loving son, Eric Kitchens, along with his daughter-in-law Kimberly. Larry was a cherished brother to Timmy Kitchens and Ronnie Kitchens, who is married to Teresa. He was a proud grandfather to Genesis Bell, married to J.J., Providence Kitchens, Caleb Kitchens, and Trinity Kitchens, and a great-grandfather to Caspian Bell and Westley Bell.

Larry was preceded in death by his parents, Watson and Dorothy Knight Kitchens, his brothers Roger and Tommy Kitchens, and his sister Shirley Tidwell.

Visitation will be held on Sunday, November 9, 2025 from 1:30PM until 3:00PM at Bethlehem Baptist Church in 838 Reid Road, Laurel, MS. Funeral services will be held on Sunday, November 9, 2025 at 3:00PM at Bethlehem Baptist Church in Laurel, MS. Burial will follow in Sharon Cemetery in Laurel, Mississippi. Dr. Cary Kimbrell and Bro. Richard Clark will officiate. Colonial Chapel Funeral Home of Laurel is in charge of arrangements. 601-649-3342.

Family and friends will serve as pallbearers, honoring Larry's memory and legacy. An online guestbook is available for condolences at www.colonialchapellaurel.com.

In lieu of flowers gifts may be made to Bethlehem Baptist Church.

11/03/2025

Justin Rudolph "Rudy" Black, 78, of Laurel, MS, passed away on Sunday, November 2, 2025, at South Central Regional Medical Center in Laurel, MS. Born on March 14, 1947, in Laurel, Mississippi, Rudy lived a life full of love and dedication to his family.

Rudy was retired from United States Navy where he proudly served 25 years and achieved the rank of Navy Chief.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Judy Buckelew Black, and his daughters, Karen Hubbard and Brenda Baswell and her husband Richard Baswell. his brother, Jerry Black and wife Carolyn, and his sister, Margie Ann Watkins and husband Vernel. Rudy was a proud grandfather to Jessica Brewer, Ethan Brewer, Kaitlyn Dukes, Madison Lakins, Ricky Baswell, and Anna Helman. He also leaves behind his step-son, Eric Voock.

Rudy was preceded in death by his daughter, Tracy Black, his father, Harold Rudolph Black, and his mother, Madeline Royals Black.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, November 5, 2025, from 10:00AM until 11:00AM at Salem Heights Baptist Church, located at 5850 Hwy 84W, Laurel, Mississippi. Funeral services will follow at 11:00AM at the same location, with Bro. Brent Benson and Richard Baswell officiating. Burial will take place at Fairfield Baptist Church Cemetery in Moselle, MS. Arrangements are being handled by Colonial Chapel Funeral Home of Laurel.

Rudy will be dearly missed by all who knew him. His legacy of love and kindness will continue to live on in the hearts of his family and friends.

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