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

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.

02/22/2026

Early on the morning of February 21st, 2026 while at Cedar Place Personal Care Home in Laurel, Rebecca Garcia peacefully passed into eternity. She was 78 years old.

She was born on December 9, 1947, in Laurel. She dedicated her life to her family. After marrying E.A. Garcia, she spent years making donuts at their family owned and operated donut shop. You could often catch her between batches, sitting at the counter having a cup of coffee and a donut while reading the morning paper. She raised her kids working in the donut shop and now their kids work there, too. She helped build the family business foundation that Garcia Donuts stands on today.

Becky is survived by her loving husband, Edgar A. Garcia, and her children: son Michael A. Garcia and his wife Nikki, daughters Teresa Clinton, Linda Rowell and her husband Kendal, and Jamina Walters and her husband Tad. She also leaves behind her step-son Robin D. Garcia, step-daughter Angela I. Simone, brother Jerry Ekes and his wife Ginger, and sister Shirley Walters. Her grandchildren: Indiana Knotts and her husband Tyner, Christopher Rowell and his wife Emily, Timothy Rowell and his wife Jessica, Kelton Rowell and his wife Amber, Rylee Gardner, Rhett Gardner, Tate Walters, Neva Garcia, Nori Garcia, Mili Garcia, Maxx Garcia, and Meadow Garcia, as well as her eight great-grandchildren and step-grandchildren Gerard Simone, Brittany Simone, and Nikki Poore and her husband Robert, as well as her dear friend JoAnn Wilson and all of her Cedar Place family.

Becky was preceded in death by her father Olen Ekes, mother Lucille Taylor Ekes, sister Elaine Hutto, son-in-law Floyd Clinton, and brother-in-law Billy Walters.

Visitation will be held on Friday, February 27, 2026, from 12:30 PM until 2:00 PM at Colonial Chapel Funeral Home of Laurel, located at 4593 Indian Springs Rd, Laurel, MS. Private funeral services will follow at 3:00 PM in Laurel, Mississippi, where she will be laid to rest. Bro. Robby Johnson will officiate the services. Pallbearers will include Christopher Rowell, Timothy Rowell, Kelton Rowell, Rhett Gardner, Logan Rowell, and Cooper Rowell, with honorary pallbearers Tate Walters and Conner Rowell.

Though she has gone home to be with the Lord, Becky’s beautiful presence will forever be felt in the warmth of a golden Summer sun setting over a freshly cut field, in the first crisp and fragrant Autumn breeze carrying her favorite scent of sweet olive, in the nostalgic heart tug of Christmas lights illuminating a Winter night, in the satisfaction of a backyard Spring garden yielding delicious vegetables to cook for supper, in the compassionate hearts and work ethic she instilled in her children and in the innocent smiles and sweet giggles of her grandchildren and great grandchildren as her legacy of love lives on through them.

"For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor rulers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord."
- Romans 8:38-39

02/22/2026

James Leylon Graham, 83, of Laurel, MS, passed away on Sunday, February 22, 2026, at Forrest General Hospital in Hattiesburg, Mississippi. Born on December 9, 1942, in Toxey, Alabama, James was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend.

He is survived by his devoted wife of 60 years, Mary Eloise Busby Graham, and his loving daughters, Kayla Andrews (Chris), Kimberly Carlisle (William), and Keri Hans (Garold). James was a cherished grandfather to Eli, Payson, and Sutton Andrews, Jayden, Gabriel, and Maddie Carlisle, and Teresa and Ella Hans. He is also survived by his brother, Randale Graham (Betty), and sister, Faye Boutwell (Michael), his brother-in-law, Gayron Turner, and sisters-in-law, Clarice Hartshorn and Dean Slaton, along with numerous nieces and nephews.

James was preceded in death by his parents, Henry Edwin Graham and Nola Grace Todd Graham, his brother, Lamar Graham (Ruby), and sister, Addie Mae Turner. He was also predeceased by his father-in-law, Roy Busby (Frances), brothers-in-law, Norman Hartshorn and Ralph Slaton, and sister-in-law, Faye Walker (Warren).

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, February 25, 2026, from 12:00 PM until 2:00 PM at Colonial Chapel Funeral Home of Laurel, located at 4593 Indian Springs Rd, Laurel, MS. Funeral services will follow at 2:00 PM at the same location, with burial at Memorial Gardens Cemetery in Laurel, Mississippi.

Pallbearers will include Chris Andrews, Garold Hans, Brent Boutwell, Paul Graham, Mike Walker, and Joey Turner. Honorary pallbearers are William Carlisle, Kimble Slaton, David Hartshorn, Steve Hartshorn, Rickey Graham, and Eddie Graham.

James will be remembered for his dedication to his family and the love he shared with all who knew him. An online guestbook is available for condolences at www.colonialchapellaurel.com.

02/21/2026

Stevie Dell James, 76, of Laurel, MS, passed away peacefully at his residence on Friday, February 20, 2026. Born on October 11, 1949, in Laurel, Mississippi, Stevie spent his life in the community he loved.

Stevie liked to hunt, fish and watch westerns. He loved spending time with family and friends, and he was a loving and affectionate husband.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Nancy Gavin James, and his daughter, Katherine Kilbride, with her fiancé, Zachery. He is also survived by his sisters-in-law, Judy Wade and her husband Robert, Cheryl Reeves and her husband Barry, and Ann Matthews. Along with a host of nieces and nephews.

Stevie was preceded in death by his parents, Martin Rudell James and Eunice Westbrook James, his brother, James Fredrick Matthews, and his sister, Louise Jernigan.

Visitation will be held on Monday, February 23, 2026, from 9:30AM until 11:00AM at Colonial Chapel Funeral Home of Laurel, located at 4593 Indian Springs Rd, Laurel, MS. Funeral services will follow at 11:00AM at the same location, with Bro. Dave Moran officiating. Burial will take place at Matthews Cemetery in Laurel, Mississippi.

Stevie will be fondly remembered by his family and friends, and his memory will be cherished by all who knew him.

Special thanks to Comfort Care Hospice for all their help through his final days.

02/19/2026

Richard Francis Haynes was born and raised in James Store, Virginia, the eldest son of Francis Woodrow and Elsie German Haynes.

He graduated from Gloucester High School in 1964 and completed his B.S. in Forestry and Wildlife Management and graduate studies in Agronomy from Virginia Tech University. He served as a pathfinder with the 4th infantry division in Vietnam, earning numerous medals, including the Bronze Star for Heroism.

He spent his career as a turf grass specialist with emphasis in natural turf for sports tracks and stadiums, both collegiate and professional, and remained a consultant well after his retirement.
A true outdoorsman at heart, he loved fishing, camping, and spelunking, especially along the Piankatank River, Dragon Run, and in the Blue Ridge Mountains and wrote articles about these adventures for such publications as Virginia Wildlife. When out in the woods or on the water with Richard, you learned much, including all the Latin names of the flora and fauna you encountered.

He also enjoyed wildlife photography, was a gifted woodworker, and for many years held a private pilot’s license with a penchant for aerobatic flying and helicopters. He enjoyed cooking and baking when he had the notion and made a mean (and blue-ribbon winning) lime pie. He was a voracious reader of both history and American literature, with a particular love of Churchill and Steinbeck. Like them, he adored his dogs, preferring them to people and spoiling them rotten.

He is survived by his daughter, Julie, and grandsons, Adam, James, and Luke, brother, Michael, nephew Richard Samuel, nieces, Christina and Samantha, many loved Townsend family members, and his beloved rescue pups, Gingi and Kaycee.

He is predeceased by his parents, brother Benjamin Woodrow Haynes, son-in-law, Jeff Legg, his wife, Dara, and his dogs, Tippi, Rollo, and Marple.

The family would like to thank the doctors and nurses of Forrest General Hospital in Hattiesburg, Mississippi and Sawmill Animal Hospital in Laurel, Mississippi for their support and care during this difficult time.

Those who wish may make a memorial tribute to The Least of These Animal Rescue in Ellisville, Mississippi, or the Vietnam Veterans of America.

02/18/2026

Julia Helen Brown, 79, of Ovett, MS, passed away on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, at St. Dominic Hospital in Jackson, MS. Born on October 14, 1946, in Mississippi, Julia lived a life full of love and dedication to her family.

She is survived by her son, Larry Lee Allen; her daughters, Julie D. Dement and her husband Robert, Rachel Brown and her husband Billy W. of Ovett, MS, and Sherry Mearine Allen. Julia was a proud grandmother to Cari Allen (Allison Hampton), Christy Allen, Cassandra Allen, Gary Dement (Van), Bryan Dement (Melissa), Tina Brown, Joseph Bonner, Kelly Houser, Richard Holifield, and Tiffany Mcree, and a great-grandmother to 10 great-grandchildren.

Julia was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Leroy Allen, and her mother, Algerian Bloodsworth.

Visitation will be held on Friday, February 20, 2026, from 12:00 PM until 2:00 PM at Colonial Chapel Funeral Home of Laurel, located at 4593 Indian Springs Rd, Laurel, MS. Funeral services will follow at 2:00 PM at the same location, with burial at Ovett Cemetery in Ovett, MS.

Julia will be dearly missed by her family and friends, who will remember her for her warmth and kindness.

02/17/2026

Anthony Andrew “Tony” Hosey, age 68 of the Sharon Community in Laurel, MS passed away Sunday, February 15, 2026. He was born August 15, 1957, in Jones County.

Tony was a loving husband, father, grandfather and brother. Tony will be greatly missed by his family and many friends. His memory will be cherished by all who knew him. Tony is survived by his precious wife, Ann Marie Chandler Hosey. He leaves behind his daughters JoBeth Keith and husband Kris and Leesa Marie Green and husband Thomas. He also leaves behind his grandsons, his pride and joy, Hunter “Bryce” and Kristopher “Bailey” Keith. Tony is also survived by his brother Jerry Hosey and wife Martha, and his brother-in-law Donald “Buddy”Walters, along with many other family members. Tony loved his Lord and Savior and spent many hours praying for his loved ones.

Tony was preceded in death by his father Lonnie Jackson Hosey and his mother Jewel Poore Hosey, along with his sister Barbara “BeBe” Walters.

Tony was a dedicated law enforcement officer, contributing for over thirty years to protect andserve his community. Most of all, he was an avid hunter of turkey, deer and rabbit. He especially enjoyed running his rabbit dogs Blaze and Leon, just to name a couple with his grandsonBryce.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, February 18, 2026, from 12:00 PM until 2:00 PM atColonial Chapel Funeral Home of Laurel, located at 4593 Indian Springs Road, Laurel, MS.Funeral services will follow at 2:00 PM at the same location with Bro. Curtis Pitts officiating. Burial will take place at Sharon Cemetery in Laurel, MS.

Pallbearers will include Harold Buckhaults, Stan Livingston, Macon Davis, Ken Keyes, Sherries Clark and Kyle Chandler, along with many honorary pallbearers.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the National Fraternal Order of Police.

02/09/2026

James Robert Clark, Jr., age 63, of Laurel, Mississippi, passed away on February 7, 2026, at Forrest General Hospital in Hattiesburg, Mississippi, surrounded by the love of his family. Born on October 16, 1962, in Laurel, Mississippi, James lived a life full of adventure and joy.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, February 14, 2026, from 10:00AM until 12:00PM at Colonial Chapel Funeral Home of Laurel in 4593 Indian Springs Rd, Laurel, MS. Memorial services will be held on Saturday, February 14, 2026 at 12:00PM, at Colonial Chapel Funeral Home of Laurel in Laurel, MS. Colonial Chapel Funeral Home of Laurel is in charge of arrangements. 601-649-3342.

James was preceded in death by his father, James Robert Clark, Sr.; his mother who raised him, Esther Clark; his daughter, Casey Clark; and his sister, Belinda Leatherwood. He is survived by his loving wife, Leslie Clark; his daughter, Ava Clark; his son, James Robert Freeman; his mother, Lilly Bright; and his siblings, Melissa Clark, Mike Bright, and Stephanie Ford. He is also survived by six grandchildren, Seth, Noah, Caleb, Ella, Kennedie, James, and one great-grandchild, Kullen, along with a host of nieces, nephews, extended family, and many dear friends.

James was truly larger than life, and his passing has left a silence that feels hard to fill. He lived boldly, loved adventure, and made an impact that won’t soon be forgotten. A former drag racer at heart, James never lost his love for excitement and living life full throttle.

He was the former owner of Clark’s Mobile Homes in Laurel, Mississippi, where he proudly lived by his slogan, “We do it for a living, not a killing.” James worked harder than most, but he also knew how to enjoy life just as hard. He was always full of big ideas, always joking around, and always keeping everyone laughing. He left behind a lifetime of unforgettable stories, wild moments, and memories that will be talked about for generations.

James loved the outdoors and spent many of his happiest days hunting and fishing. The woods and the water were where he felt most at peace, and he enjoyed sharing that love of the outdoors with others. James shared a special bond with several young men—one that was forged over a lifetime and will never be forgotten.

Though he is gone from this world, James will live on forever through the laughter, the stories, and the memories his family and friends will carry with them. He was one of the strongest limbs on our family tree, and his absence will be deeply felt.

Colonial Chapel Funeral Home

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