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

02/22/2026

Rebecca Garcia, 78, of Laurel, Mississippi, passed away on Saturday, February 21, 2026, at Cedar Place Personal Care Home in Laurel. Born on December 9, 1947, in Laurel, Mississippi, Rebecca lived a life full of love and dedication to her family.

She 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 legacy continues through 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.

Rebecca 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.

Rebecca will be remembered for her warmth, kindness, and the love she shared with her family and friends. She will be dearly missed by all who knew her.

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.

02/05/2026

Brenda Joyce Hand, born October 30, 1953, in Taylorsville, Mississippi, passed peacefully, surrounded by family, at Asbury Hospice House in Hattiesburg, Mississippi, on February 4th, at the age of 72.

Brenda was the devoted wife of Tommy Hand, with whom she shared 52 years of marriage. Together they built a life grounded in faith, family, and unwavering commitment to one another.

She was preceded in death by her father, Herschel Jones, and her brothers, Mitchell Jones and Pat Jones.

She is survived by her husband, Tommy Hand; her mother, Zola Holifield; her daughter, Stephanie Hand; her son, TJ (Leslie) Hand; her grandson, Dawson Craft; and her sister, Deborah Smith.

Brenda embraced life with enthusiasm and curiosity. She loved travel and was never hesitant to go anywhere, from Disney to the beach and everywhere in between. She was always ready for the next adventure. She loved her family deeply and showed that love through service, care, and devotion to those around her.

Above all else, Brenda loved Jesus. Her faith was lived out daily through forgiveness, humility, service, and love. It was evident not just in her words, but in the way she treated everyone she encountered.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, February 7, 2026 from 12:00PM until 2:00PM at Colonial Chapel Funeral Home of Laurel in 4593 Indian Springs Rd, Laurel, MS. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, February 7, 2026 at 2:00PM at Colonial Chapel Funeral Home of Laurel in Laurel, MS. Burial will follow in Clear Creek Cemetery in Taylorsville, MS. Bro. Stevie Hand will officiate. Colonial Chapel Funeral Home of Laurel is in charge of arrangements. 601-649-3342.

Pallbearers will be Dawson Craft, Chanc Williams, Lee Hand, Javan Hand, Timmy Hand and Ricky Hand.

02/04/2026

Donna Lynn Hancock, 68, of Laurel, MS, passed away on Tuesday, February 3, 2026, at Forrest General Hospital in Hattiesburg, Mississippi. Born on August 9, 1957, in Laurel, Mississippi, Donna was a beloved wife, mother, sister, and Nene.

She is survived by her devoted husband of 47 years, Mark Hancock; her sons, Adam Hancock and his wife Lori, and Tyler Hancock and his wife Katy; her sisters, Beth Melton and Sandra Todd with her husband Carroll; and her cherished grandchildren, Kyle, Kameron, Reagan, and Kambree Hancock. She is also survived by her sister-in-law, Cindee Herlocker and her husband Joseph.
Donna was preceded in death by her father, Burl W. Carlisle, her mother, Mary Helen Williams Carlisle, and her brother-in-law, Jerry Melton.

Graveside services will be held on Friday, February 6, 2026, at 1:00 PM at Springhill Baptist Church Cemetery in Laurel, Mississippi, with Bro. Jimmy Hood officiating. Visitation will be from 12:30 PM until 1:00 PM at the same location. Burial will follow in the Spring Hill Baptist Church Cemetery. Arrangements are being handled by Colonial Chapel Funeral Home of Laurel.

Pallbearers will include Scott Melton, Dylan Todd, Blake Todd, Brian Holifield, Dalton Steele, and James Clark, with Jimmy Jefcoat serving as an honorary pallbearer.

Donna will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to Citizens National Bank, 1127 Hwy 15 Laurel, MS 601-649-0573 in her name.

02/03/2026

Robert S. Dement, aged 70, of Hattiesburg, Mississippi, passed away on Sunday, February 1, 2026, at Forrest General Hospital in Hattiesburg. Born on December 27, 1955, in Richton, Mississippi, Robert was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather.

He is survived by his loving wife of 42 years, Julie Allen Dement of Hattiesburg, MS; his sons, Gary Dement and his wife Van of Hattiesburg, MS, and Bryan Dement and his wife Melissa of Ovett, MS. He also leaves behind his sisters, Jackie Dement, Nellie Dement Jones, and Jane Dement; his grandchildren, Heather Watson, Andrew Watson and his wife Josey, and Zachary Watson; and his great-grandchild, Brantley Robertson.

Robert was preceded in death by his parents, Wilson and Dell Waller Dement; his brothers, Herman Dement, Bobby Dement, J.R. Dement, and Joe Dement; and his sisters, Sonya Walcott, Ruth Woodward, and Geneva Dement.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, February 4, 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 Bro. Bo Russell officiating. Burial will take place at Ovett Cemetery in Mississippi.

Pallbearers will be Jeff Wilson, Thomas Stanley, Cliff Walters, Kash Wilson, Brandon Lee, and Marvin McDonald.

Arrangements are under the care of Colonial Chapel Funeral Home of Laurel.

01/28/2026

Frankie Latrelle Walters Jr., age 68, of Ovett, MS, passed away on Tuesday, January 27, 2026. Born on March 21, 1957, in Laurel, Mississippi.

Frankie was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and also beloved by so many friends, co-workers, employees and members of the community. He had a passion for wildlife whether it be with his farm animals or hunting at the ‘ Club’ deer lease in Rose Hill, Mississippi. He worked more than 4 decades in the tire business where he acquired life long relationships with his clientele.

He is survived by his loving wife, Melissa Pitts Walters of Ovett, MS. He leaves behind his sons, Jamie Walters (Raegan), Ross Manns, and Alex Walters; daughters, Leesha Parker, Misty Carter (Jake), and Kristen Bonura (Mike); and step-sons, Austin Rogers and Chapman Rogers (Madison). Frankie is also survived by his brothers, Jackie Walters (Maureen) and Matthew Walters, and his sister, Connie Welch (Wes).

Frankie was a proud grandfather to Kadie Nobles (Will, Trip Parker (Kamryn), Preslee Parker, Jasper Parker, Mia Payano, Ava Carter, Isabella Carter, Garrett Manns, Arya Manns, Maverick Manns, Ripp Manns, Dakota Walters, Conner Walters, Abby Walters, Kiera Walters, Mary Reid Rogers, Vivian Bonura, Asher Bonura, Brooks Bonura, and Bailey Harris. He was also blessed with great-grandchildren Klay Baucum and Swayze Parker.

He was preceded in death by his father, Frank Walters, his mother, Patricia Short McCrory, and his grandchild, Charlee Parker.

Visitation will be held on Friday, January 30, 2026, from 12:00 PM until 2:00 PM at Laurel First Methodist in Laurel, MS, followed by funeral services at 2:00 PM. Burial will take place at Lake Park Hills Cemetery in Laurel, Mississippi. Rev. Daniel Hathorn will officiate the services.

Pallbearers will include Mike Rayburn, Eddie Rahaim, Trevor Walters, Alvin Byrd, Blaine Holifield, and Alan Walters. Honorary pallbearers will be Karson Bates, James Terry Evans, and Mike Eady.

In lieu of flowers donations may be sent to St. Jude’s in his memory.

An online guestbook is available at www.colonialchapellaurel.com for those who wish to leave condolences.

01/27/2026

Shirley Odom Grafton, 88, of Clinton, MS, passed away peacefully on Sunday, January 25, 2026, at her residence. Born on May 27, 1937, in Marion County, Mississippi, Shirley was a beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and great-great-grandmother. Her life was a testament to love, service, and steadfast faith.

Shirley was preceded in death by her husband, Joe Clinton Grafton, Sr.; her father, Woodrow Wilson Odom; and her mother, Mildred Johnson Odom. She is survived by her son, Clinton Grafton, Jr. (Kaye); her daughter, Ellen Grafton Little (Don); her brother, Shevis Odom (Betty); her grandchildren, Clay Grafton, Christopher Grafton (Nicole), Tori Ferguson (Cody), Matthew Little (Taylor), Kristen Bagley (Michael), and Emileigh Little; 10 great-grandchildren; 1 great-great-grandchild; and a host of nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, January 29, 2026, from 9:30 AM until 11:00 AM at Colonial Chapel Funeral Home of Laurel, located at 4593 Indian Springs Rd, Laurel, MS. Funeral services will follow at 11:00 AM at the same location, with burial at Indian Springs Baptist Church Cemetery in Laurel, Mississippi. Larry Grafton and Chester Masterson will officiate the services.

Shirley's gentle spirit, unwavering faith, and the love she freely gave will be remembered by all who knew her. While she will be deeply missed by her family and friends, they take comfort in knowing she is at peace and reunited with loved ones in Heaven.

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