West Jones High School Class of 1987

02/14/2026

01/26/2026

The West Jones Class of 1987 would like to extend our deepest and belated sympathy to our classmate Laura LaVigne Largen in the passing of her mother this past October.

Sheila Faye White, 81, of Ellisville, MS, passed away on Friday, October 24, 2025, at the University of Mississippi Medical Center in Jackson, Mississippi. Born on July 21, 1944, in Laurel, Mississippi, Sheila lived a life full of love and dedication to her family.

Sheila is survived by her son, Ronald S. LaVigne, Jr. (Melissa); her daughters, Pamela L. Dennis (Brian), Jolie M. LaVigne (Michelle), and Laura L. Largen (Matt), niece/daughter, Carol Simmons. She also leaves behind her sister, Linda Smallwood, and a host of grandchildren: Laine Sumrall (Nathan), Lakyn Rainer (Brock), Ron LaVigne, III (Kayla), Jack Largen (Hanna), Sam Largen (Kate), and Will Largen. Her great-grandchildren, Harper Rainer, Blaize Sumrall, Chief Rainer, Sutton Sumrall, Henley Rainer, Adlei LaVigne, and Kenlei LaVigne, will cherish her memory.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Willie and Julia Roberson Irvin, her brother Billie Joe Irvin, her sisters Maxine Traylor and Carolyn 'Susie' Wright, and her great-grandchild Caroline LaVigne.

Visitation was held on Sunday, October 26, 2025, from 5:00 PM until 8:00 PM at Ellisville Funeral Home, located at 1204 B Ave, Ellisville, Mississippi. Funeral services were conducted on Monday, October 27, 2025, at 11:00 AM at the same location, with Bishop Zachary Operton officiating. Sheila was laid to rest at Sunset Gardens Cemetery in Laurel, Mississippi. Pallbearers included Brian Dennis, Brock Rainer, Ron LaVigne III, Jack Largen, Sam Largen, and Will Largen, with honorary pallbearers Blaize Sumrall and Chief Rainer.

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

01/17/2026

The West Jones Class of 1987 would like to extend our deepest and belated sympathy to the family of our former principal Jimmy Thomas in his passing.

James Windell “Jimmy” Thomas, 83, of Laurel, MS, passed away on Saturday, January 17, 2026, at South Central Regional Medical Center in Laurel, MS. Born on July 27, 1942, in Sandersville, Mississippi, James lived a full and cherished life.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Mildred Stafford Thomas, his parents, LJ Thomas and Dorothy Jane Smith Thomas, his brother, Howard Thomas, and his sister, Linda Joyce Thomas.

Jimmy is survived by his son, Michael Thomas and wife Christy and his daughter, Deana Holifield and husband Richard. He also leaves behind his brother, John Thomas and wife Lillie, and sisters, Josie Carter and Susan Thomas. His legacy continues through his grandchildren, Collin Holifield and wife Kambry, Connor Holifield, Codi Collins and husband Ryan, Garrett Holifield and wife Maddie, Jordan Dobbs, and Dalton Dobbs, as well as his great-grandchildren, Ty Carr, Lillie Collins, Tinley Holifield, Tristen Holifield, Riggs Holifield, and Tripp Holifield.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, January 21, 2026, from 12:00PM until 2:00PM at Salem Heights Baptist Church, located at 5850 Hwy 84W, Laurel, Mississippi. Funeral services will take place on Wednesday, January 21, 2026, at 2:00PM at the same location, with Bro. Brent Benson officiating. Burial will follow in Vossburg Cemetery in Jasper County. Arrangements are being handled by Colonial Chapel Funeral Home of Laurel.

Pallbearers for the service will be Dickey Welborn, Lewis Vaughn, Scott Lewis, Scott Pierson, Wade Adkins, and Mike Taylor, with honorary pallbearers being Thomas Prine and the JCJC 61-62 Football Team.

Jimmy will be remembered for his dedication to his family and to the students and faculty of the Jones County and Smith County School Districts, where he served in the capacity of teacher, coach, administrator and Deputy Superintendent for a total of 36 years.

12/02/2025

The West Jones Class of 1987 would like to extend our deepest sympathy to our classmate Ann Marie Hathorn in the passing of her children’s father.

Anthony Earl “Tony” Hogan was born on December 18, 1972, in Monterey, California, and departed this life in Laurel, Mississippi, on November 30, 2025.

Tony was preceded in death by his father, Willie George Hogan. He is survived by his loving mother, Betty Sue Black Hogan; his daughters, Baylea Hogan and Brooklyn Hogan Tucker (John); and his cherished grandchildren, Hollyn June Tucker and Kaison Hayes Tucker.

Tony carried deep pride in his father’s military service and lived his own life with that same sense of honor and dedication. He was a caring and attentive son, a devoted father, and a joyful, proud grandfather. Tony never met a stranger—his warm spirit and easy smile made everyone feel welcome. No matter what kind of day he was having, he was always ready to lend a helping hand. He was a hardworking man whose kindness, laughter, and love for his family will be remembered always.

Celebration of life will be held at Indian Springs Baptist Church In Laurel, Mississippi on December 5th, 2025. Visitation is at 10:00 AM with memorial service at 11:00 AM

11/27/2025

Hoping everyone has a blessed day being grateful for all we have been given. 💛💚

11/05/2025

The West Jones Class of 1987 would like to extend our deepest sympathy to our classmate Philip Smith in the passing of his mother.

Elizabeth Smith, age 90, of Laurel, MS, passed away on Monday, November 3, 2025, at Brookdale Memory Care in Hattiesburg, MS.

Elizabeth was born June 7, 1935 in Moss Point, MS.

Elizabeth was an active member of Salem Heights Baptist Church and a graduate of New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary with a Religious Education degree.

She has served as a financial/administrative assistant throughout Jones County in church related work. She also served as a pianist/organist in several churches. During her retirement, she enjoyed traveling, working in her yard, exercising in water aerobics, singing at different nursing homes, feeding the birds and spending time with friends and family.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 58 years, Melvin Smith; parents, Artis and Maude Wilkerson; sister, Blanche Simmons; and brother, Arnold (Lenelle) Simmons.

Elizabeth is survived by her three children, Rachel (Alex) Chaney of Hokes Bluff, AL, Belinda (Bruce) Ratcliff of Columbia, MS, and Philip (Stephanie) Smith of Laurel, MS; seven grandchildren, Sarah (Brian) Platt, Meredith (Matthew) Ledbetter, Nathan Chaney, Mallory Ratcliff, Jordan (Braxton) Rustin, Kynlee Smith and Cruz Smith; great-granddaughter, Anna Kathryn Platt; and a host of nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held Friday, November 7, 2025, at 9:30 a.m. until time of service at 11:00 a.m. at Salem Heights Baptist Church, Laurel, MS.

Pallbearers will be Nathan Chaney, Brian Platt, Cruz Smith, Matthew Ledbetter, Braxton Rustin and Dylan Butler. Honorary pallbearers are Randy Smith, Kirk Smith, Kevin Smith, Chris Creel, Dirk Creel, Greg Smith and Dane Allen Gardner.

A special thank you to Brookdale Memory Care for their gracious and compassionate care of Elizabeth for nearly four years.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to the Gideons International.

11/03/2025

The West Jones Class of 1987 would like to extend our deepest sympathy to our classmate Carolyn Jones Young in the passing of her mother May Jones.

It is with both heavy hearts and cherished memories that we announce the passing of May Rebel Jones, who departed this world on October 30, 2025, at the age of 88. Born on August 21, 1937, May lived a life rich in love, laughter, and resilience. She was a beloved mother, cherished friend, and a source of inspiration for all who had the privilege of knowing her.In honor of May's life, a Public Viewing will be held at Life Church 5021 Hwy 84 West Laurel Ms on Thursday, November 6, 2025, from 5:00 PM-7:00 PM, providing an opportunity for family and friends to gather, share stories, and reflect on the beautiful moments they shared with her. The following day, we invite all to join us for a Celebration of Life at Life Church on Friday, November 7, 2025, at 1:00 PM, Dr Homer E. Kemp, Pastor of St John Missionary Baptist Church in Vossburg Ms will be officiating. Following the service, May will be laid to rest at Leona Community Church in Vossburg Ms.May Rebel Jones will be deeply missed, but her legacy of kindness, strength, and joy will forever resonate in our hearts. Let us come together to honor her memory, sharing in the love and laughter she so generously spread throughout her life.
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of May Rebel Jones, please visit our floral store.

11/03/2025

The West Jones Class of 1987 would like to extend our deepest sympathy to our classmate Paul Waller in the passing of his father THIS PAST April 17, 2025.

Leroy Waller
It is with deep sorrow that we announce the death of Leroy Waller of Pascagoula, Mississippi, who passed away on April 17, 2025, at the age of 75, leaving to mourn family and friends.
As we bid farewell to this luminous soul, let his loved ones carry forward the torch of his memory, illuminating the path ahead with the warmth of his love and the brilliance of his spirit. Though Leroy may journey beyond the horizon of our sight, his essence remains woven into the very fabric of our being — a guiding light in the darkness, a beacon of hope in the night.

10/07/2025

The West Jones Class of 1987 would like to extend our deepest sympathy to our classmate Eric Johnson in the passing of his father.

The family of Larry Paul Johnson regretfully announces his passing on October 6, 2025. Larry was born on January 1, 1939, in Laurel, Mississippi, and lived to the age of 86.

Larry worked at Masonite and later retired from Howard Industries in 2001. In his younger years, he found joy in spending time on his tractor—bush hogging, plowing new ground for a big garden, and tending to his cows. In his later years, he often joked that he enjoyed “holding his recliner down,” a favorite pastime he embraced with humor and contentment.

His greatest pride and joy were his grandchildren. Larry loved each one dearly and spoke of them often with affection and pride.
Larry was preceded in death by his parents, Ottis and Jewel Johnson; sisters Carolyn Olivier (Gene Rene Olivier) of Huntsville, Alabama, and Joan Windham Holder (Bill Holder) of Laurel, Mississippi; niece Connie Zino; and nephew David Olivier.

He is survived by his loving wife of 57 years, Audrey Johnson; son Eric Johnson (Stephanie); and daughter Leeann Johnson Bookout (Todd). He leaves behind seven grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren: Madison Walley (husband Nathan and daughter Finnleigh), Rivers Johnson (fiancé Matt Adams), Lakyn Johnson, Joseph Bookout (wife Heather and children Maci, Kelsey, and Wes), Jacob Bookout (wife Meagan and children Jayden, Brees, and Keaton), Joshua Bookout, and Anna Bookout Super (Tristan).
He is also lovingly remembered by his sister Dorothy Ladoceour, niece Gayle DeMeo, nephews Greg Windham (Lisa) and Steven Olivier, and niece Susan Fikes (Harlow).

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, October 8, 2025, from 1:00PM until 2:30PM at Colonial Chapel Funeral Home of Laurel in 4593 Indian Springs Rd, Laurel, MS. Graveside services will be held on Wednesday, October 08, 2025, at 3:00PM at Moss Memorial Gardens Cemetery in Moss, MS. Burial will follow in Moss Memorial Gardens Cemetery in Moss, Mississippi. Bro. Eric Estes will officiate. Colonial Chapel Funeral Home of Laurel is in charge of arrangements. 601-649-3342.

Pallbearers will be Joshua Bookout, Kelly Bullock, Mike Hicks, Tristan Super, Tommy Ulmer, and Nathan Walley.

10/01/2025

The West Jones Class of 1987 would like to extend our deepest sympathy to our classmate Ann Hathorn in the passing of her mother.

Mary Ann Bell was born on September 21, 1941 in Noxubee County, and departed this life in Laurel, Mississippi, on September 30, 2025.��Mary Ann was preceded in death by her parents, Walker Wade and Etta Kate Perkins, and by all five of her siblings: Thomas Albert “Snowball” Perkins, Lelia Zaring, John Alton Perkins, Beverly Ellzey, and Stevie Perkins. She was also preceded in death by her beloved husband of 52 years, Bobby Bell.��Mary Ann is survived by her sons, Mark Hathorn (Carol), Bubba Hathorn (Cassie) and Huong van Nguyen, and by her daughter, Ann Marie Hathorn. She is also survived by her five granddaughters, Mallory Giovengo (Brandon), Erin Harrison (Nathan), Baylea Hogan, Taylor Hathorn, and Brooklyn Tucker (John Thomas). She is survived by her great-grandchildren, Abree and AnaLynn Giovengo, Jaden Flynt, Hollyn and Hayes Tucker; by a host of nieces and nephews; and by her two dogs, Charlie and Mac.��Mary Ann worked as a cosmetologist for many years and previously owned K-Mac’s Salon in Laurel. Mary Ann enjoyed playing tennis, watching Ole Miss and the Kansas City Chiefs, and being the keeper of her family’s history. Mary Ann was proud of her brother Snowball’s commemoration on the Korean War Memorial in Washington, DC and of the fact that four of her five siblings represented the four branches of the US military: Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marines. Her sister Lelia, who served in the US Air Force, and Mary Ann enjoyed visiting her and her family in the Pacific Northwest. She also enjoyed going out for Friday lunch with her “sister-friends.” ��Visitation will be held at Indian Springs Baptist Church on Saturday, October 4th beginning at 9:30 AM, with the graveside service to follow at 11 AM at Calhoun Cemetery.��In lieu of flowers, a donation may be made to a charity of your choice.