Porter Funeral Home

Porter Funeral Home Since establishment in 1995, Al and Rhonda Porter have served the families of Winston County with professional and dignified funeral service.

John W. “Johnny” Black, 71, passed away on Tuesday, April 21, 2026, at his home in Louisville, Ms. A graveside service a...
04/22/2026

John W. “Johnny” Black, 71, passed away on Tuesday, April 21, 2026, at his home in Louisville, Ms. A graveside service and interment will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Saturday, April 25th, at Memorial Park Cemetery, with Rev. Mike Childs officiating. Porter Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Johnny was born February 16, 1955, in Louisville, MS, to Bobby Lee and Janice Lynn White Black. He was a 1973 graduate of Winston Academy, and went on to Mississippi State University where he earned a business degree. He was a pilot for Sharp Construction Company for many years. He was also a property manager for his family’s business. He was a lifelong member of Louisville Presbyterian Church.
He was preceded in death by his parents; and his grandparents, John C. and Sarah Elizabeth Power Black; and E. Edison and Mary Estelle Glenn White.
Johnny is survived by his wife, Kelley Palmer Black of Louisville; two sisters, Beth Black (Kerry) Edwards, and Rhee Black (Glynn) Hankins, both of Louisville; and two brothers, Mike (Debra) Black of Austin, TX, and Stefan (Lori) Black of Louisville, MS; and his nephews, Graham Black of Austin, TX, Sam Hankins of Starkville, MS, Calen Edwards of New Orleans, LA, and Curry Black of Louisville, MS.
In keeping with his love for animals, memorials in Johnny’s memory may be made to the Louisville Animal Shelter.

Mr. Niles Patterson “Pat” Autry, Sr., passed away on Monday, April 13, 2026, at his home in Louisville, MS. He was born ...
04/14/2026

Mr. Niles Patterson “Pat” Autry, Sr., passed away on Monday, April 13, 2026, at his home in Louisville, MS. He was born in Ashland, Mississippi on March 11, 1937. He grew up in Ashland where he learned the value of hard work. Pat was a graduate of Ashland High School and attended Mississippi State University where he earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting. Along the way, he married his high school
sweetheart Margaret Ann Kidd, and they began their life together in Jackson.

They moved to Louisville in 1965 and Pat began work with Taylor Machine Works, serving faithfully until his retirement in 1999 when he joined the board of directors. He worked during those same years for Temtco Steel from its beginning in 1973 until his retirement in 2019.

Pat accepted Christ as a teenager. He loved the Lord and was a faithful member of First Baptist Church, serving in various roles during his years there.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Nyleen and Niles Autry and two brothers Bobby Autry and Tommy Autry.

Pat is survived by his wife Margaret Kidd Autry of Louisville; a son, Pat Autry (Sharon) of Sherman, TX; and a daughter, Nancy Autry of Louisville. He was also D-Daddy to three grandchildren Brittlea, Crislynn, and Davis Autry, and two great granddaughters.

A private family graveside service will be held on Friday, April 17th, at Ashland City Cemetery in Ashland, MS. A memorial service honoring Pat’s life will be held at First Baptist Church of Louisville at noon on May 7th. Visitation will begin at 11am.

The family would like to extend special thanks to all those who have helped care for Dad. They have been such a blessing!

Porter Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. In lieu of flowers, consider a gift to Gateway Rescue Mission in Jackson, Mississippi, or House of Eli in Sherman, Texas, or French Camp Academy or other organization that shares God’s love.

Rebecca Thornton Fair Giffin passed away on Sunday, April 12, 2026, at Winston Medical Center in Louisville, MS.  Funera...
04/14/2026

Rebecca Thornton Fair Giffin passed away on Sunday, April 12, 2026, at Winston Medical Center in Louisville, MS. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Saturday, April 18th, at Porter Funeral Home, with Dr. Bob Schwanebeck and Dr. Heath Cross officiating. Visitation will be Saturday from 10:00 A.M. until service time at the funeral home. Interment will be in Memorial Park Cemetery.

Rebecca “Becky” Giffin was born in Thomastown, Mississippi to Clayton Elias Thornton and Blanche Elizabeth Hollingsworth and lived in Kosciusko growing up. She had one younger beloved sister, Mary Lina Thornton Fenwick. She attended schools there and went on to Mississippi College for Women in Columbus, MS where she studied Bookkeeping and Education. She received her bachelor’s degree from “The W” and went on to teach in Louisville, MS where she met and married Frank Love Fair Jr. They had two sons- Frank Love Fair III and William Thornton Fair. After the sudden death of Frank L. Fair Jr. on Sept. 9,1959, Will Fair was born January 12, 1960. He later passed away from Leukemia at the age of 2. Becky later married Dr. Horton Giffin with whom she shared 35 years of marriage. She was a member of the First Presbyterian Church and was active in Circle, The Belle Arts Club, National Junior Auxiliary in which she served on the National council. She was an avid Bridge player and enjoyed playing in several Louisville clubs. She would not miss her weekly hair appointment and even made it in an ice storm when the electricity was out at her house – she simply took her crockpot of soup to the salon to plug in while getting her hair done!
She will best be remembered for her 1) Love of family ; 2) Good business sense; 3) Strong Opinions; 4) Great party planning, and 5) Wonderful Cooking which included Fried Chicken, Pimiento Cheese, Potato Soup, Fried Quail, Almond Rice, Fruitcake Cookies, Plantation Cake, and Hummingbird Cake. She had no fear of trying new recipes and even surprised herself at finding her own recipes to try again in old cookbooks!
She was a faithful friend, generous, proper, a great lover of shoes! She was not a fan of the internet but did learn to play Solitaire on the computer. She managed her husband’s property and hunting leases for 35 years but took pride in never pumping her own gas!
Through many hard challenges in her life, she remained steadfast and resilient and would be the epitome of the phrase: “Keep calm and Carry ON!” She was very artistic and made beautiful needlework pillows, wall hangings, and beaded flowers. Her ability to finish projects was to be admired! She kept a clean house and was always ready for guests. She used her creativity to create a lovely home. She was beloved by her children who admired her and aspired to learn from her example.
She was preceded in death by husbands, Frank L. Fair Jr., Dr. Horton Giffin, Son Will Fair, Step-daughter Phyllis Giffin Hobson, Father Clayton Thornton, Mother Blanche Thornton, Step-Mother Polly Lacey Thornton, and Sister Mary Lina Thornton Fenwick.
She is survived by her son, Frank Love Fair (wife: Frances) Grandchildren: Mary Elizabeth Fair Biddle (Adam Biddle), William Haynes Fair (Anna) Great Grands: Libby Lina Fair, Freddie Love Fair, Lula Augustine Fair; Andrew Frank Fair (Sarah Beth) Great Grands: Bena Frances Fair, and George Love Fair.
Stepsons: Dr. Keith Giffin (Billie Jean) Grandchildren: Paxton Giffin (Brittany) Great Grands: Miller Maxwell Giffin and Molly Marie Giffin; Maggie Giffin Weir (Bowen); Great Grands: Alva Bowen Weir V, Caroline Grace Weir.
Dr. Larry Giffin (Brenda) Grandchildren: Miller Giffin (Kristen) Great Grands: Heidi Giffin and Dafne Giffin. Lawrence Giffin (Laura) Great Grand: Agnes Giffin. Mali Giffin Glass (Dr. Mitchell Glass) Great Grands: Rivers Glass, Judah Glass, and Bear Glass.
Stepdaughter Phyllis Hobson’s children: Buster Hobson -Great Grands: William Hobson, Morgan Hobson, Nolan Hobson;
Wayne Hobson (Pam) Great Grands: Henry Hobson and Jaclyn Hobson.
Drew Hobson (Katie) Great Grands: Adelynn Hobson and Melanie Hobson; and
Russell Hobson-Great Grands: Lauren Hobson and Leslie Hobson.
Stepdaughter Renee Giffin Whites (Rob Whites), Grandson – Giffin Robert Whites.
She is also survived by many cousins and friends.
The family offers a special Thank You to Talishwa Elmore Clark, Bobbie Nicholson, and Delois Hathorn who were amazing, faithful caregivers through the course of her later years. The family also wishes to thank Jim Butts, Annette Crabtree and family cousins John and Bonnie Fair for their unfailing attention to Becky. It was much appreciated.
“The Memory of the righteous is a blessing..” Proverbs 10:7

Mr. William Boyd Thrasher, 72, passed away on Monday, March 30, 2026, at The Carrington in Starkville, MS.  A memorial s...
03/31/2026

Mr. William Boyd Thrasher, 72, passed away on Monday, March 30, 2026, at The Carrington in Starkville, MS. A memorial service will be held at 6:00 P.M. on Wednesday, April 1st, at Porter Funeral Home, with Rev. Joel Britt and Rev. Frank Keeton officiating. Visitation will be Wednesday from 5:00 P.M. until service time at the funeral home. Porter Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Boyd was born February 22, 1954, in Louisville, MS. He was the oldest son of James and Shirley Robertson Thrasher. He moved to Starkville in 1962 and it was home to him. He lived some in Baton Rouge and loved visiting there. He married the love of his life, Debra Kitchens-Thrasher, on December 2, 1971. Boyd and Debra shared a love of riding motorcycles. They even dated on one. He loved to cook and did most of the cooking at home. He passed this gift on to his sons and at least one grandson. He was a meat cutter and a Class A certified welder, and worked for many years at Taylor Machine Works. There was no job that he wouldn’t do to feed his family. He was big talker and very jolly. He was a hard-working man and took his responsibility of providing for his family seriously. He always appreciated his daughters-in-law, Michelle and Kristy, as they were the daughters that he never had. When the grandchildren came, he loved them all. Debra and Boyd prayed for them all a lot. When he found out that his first great grandson was having problems, he prayed every night for his well-being. When Gunner was born at 2 lbs. 14 oz., he thanked God. Gunner was the miracle baby and a gift from God. His family and friends meant the world to him. He would help them anyway he could. If he could talk to you, this is what he would say: “Put God first, put you family next to God, read you Bible, work hard and take care of your family.” He loves you and hopes to see you again one day.
He was preceded in death by his parents, and a brother, Marty Davis Thrasher.
He is survived by two sons, William (Michelle) Thrasher, Jr. of Starkville, MS, and Brian (Kristy) Thrasher of Hulka, MS; three sisters, Mary Alice (Frank) Keeton of Ackerman, Kathy (David) Wentworth of Memphis, MO, and Barbara (Jerry) Reitz of Pryor, OK; five grandchildren, Joseph (Stephanie) Thrasher, William (Geanalynn) Thrasher, Shanna (Austin) Williams, Conner Thrasher, and Reagan Thrasher; three great grandchildren, Gunner Smith, Victor Brown, and Mira Thrasher; and he had 7 nieces and 4 nephews.
Sometimes the road you travel doesn’t lead to the destination that you had hoped for. But if you can look back on the trip and still smile, then it was worth it.
Memorials in Boyd’s memory may be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital.
To sign the guestbook, please go to www.porterfuneralhome.net

Mrs. Maxine Smith Houston, 93, passed away on Friday, March 27, 2026, at Louisville Healthcare in Louisville, MS. Visita...
03/29/2026

Mrs. Maxine Smith Houston, 93, passed away on Friday, March 27, 2026, at Louisville Healthcare in Louisville, MS. Visitation will be Monday, March 30th, from 1:00 to 2:00 P.M.at Ellison Ridge Baptist Church, with a graveside service to follow at Ellison Ridge Cemetery, with Rev. Michael Wells officiating. Porter Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Maxine was born February 3, 1933, to Nettie and Estol Smith. She graduated from Ellison Ridge High School, and worked with several industries in Winston County, including TRW and Spartus. She was a faithful member of Ellison Ridge Baptist Church. She loved keeping her yard in perfect shape, and enjoyed her friends as she regularly played Dominoes and Bunko.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Olyn Houston; a daughter, Mary Lynn Houston; a sister, Fluorine Smith; and two brothers, Duell Smith and Glendon Smith.

She is survived by four daughters, Roslyn Collins of Trussville, AL, Rebekah Reed of Jacksonville, FL, Ramona Green of Starkville, and Rhonda Hurt of Jacksonville, FL; twelve grandchildren, 27 great grandchildren, and 1 great great grandchild.

Memorials in Maxine’s memory may be made to the Ellison Ridge Cemetery Fund, c/o Derek Eaves, P. O. Box 157, Louisville, MS, 39339.

James Russell Butts, known to all as “Buddy,” passed away peacefully on March 26, 2026, at the age of 90. Born on Januar...
03/27/2026

James Russell Butts, known to all as “Buddy,” passed away peacefully on March 26, 2026, at the age of 90. Born on January 28, 1936, in Amory, Mississippi, Buddy recently celebrated his 90th birthday surrounded by those he loved. He left behind a legacy of quiet strength and a kindness that was felt by everyone who knew him.
Though not born there, Buddy was raised in Winona, Mississippi, a place that remained close to his heart. It was there—within the community he loved and the halls of Winona High School—that he built the foundation of the man he would become.
In the summer of 1958, while in Jackson, Mississippi, his eyes landed on a girl named LaVoynne Williams, and it was love at first sight for both of them. They were married later that year on October 4, 1958, in Forest, Mississippi.
A proud veteran, Buddy served his country from 1956 to 1958 with honor in the United States Marine Corps. The discipline and “Semper Fi” spirit he carried from his service stayed with him throughout his life and his dedicated career at Taylor Machine Works, which began in 1970 when they moved to Louisville.
In his younger years, Buddy was a force on the football field. A standout athlete at Winona High School, he went on to play for Mississippi State University. While he never sought the spotlight as a “star,” he was widely respected as a great player—the kind of teammate who played with heart, worked harder than anyone else, and represented the Maroon and White with true grit. His love for the Bulldogs never faded, and he could often be found cheering them on at just about every game—Hail State!
For all his physical toughness as a Marine and an athlete, Buddy’s most defining trait was his gentle spirit. He was, without exaggeration, one of the kindest men one could ever know. With quiet strength and a warm, soft-spoken nature, he made everyone feel welcome and at ease. He showed that true strength is not loud, but found in compassion, humility, and the way one treats others.
Buddy also had a deep love for children and spent many years serving as a Sunday school teacher at First Baptist Louisville, where his patience, kindness, and steady presence left a lasting impression on countless young lives. His faith was the cornerstone of who he was—he loved Jesus wholeheartedly and lived that love out daily through the way he treated others.
Buddy is survived by his loving wife, LaVoynne Williams Butts; his three sons, Tim Butts (Shawn), Ken Butts (Sharon), and Jim Butts; his four grandchildren, Laura Petterson (Paul), Will Butts (Katie), Russ Butts (Addie), and Ryan Butts (Megan); and his seven great-grandchildren, Evelyn, Lewis, Gene, Betsy, John, Remi, and Jonah. He was lovingly known as “Grandan” by his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, a special name given to him by his oldest granddaughter, Laura—a name that became a lasting expression of the love shared across generations. He is also survived by his brother, Yates Butts, and a number of nephews and nieces. He was preceded in death by his parents, C.Y. and Dorothy Coleman Butts, as well as his brother, Bob Butts.
Anyone who knew him will forever cherish the memory of a man who was as steady as he was kind. He loved his family with his whole heart, a devotion that was evident in every part of his life.
A service to honor Buddy’s life will be held at 2 p.m. on March 29, 2026, at Porter Funeral Home in Louisville, Mississippi. Visitation will be from 1 to 2 p.m.
In his memory, the family suggests performing a simple, quiet act of kindness for someone else—a fitting tribute to a man who gave so much of it to the world.

A few of Buddy’s favorite verses:

“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” — John 3:16

“Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.” — Psalm 51:10



“lemon juice for grandan”
written by Evelyn Petterson, Buddy’s oldest great-grandchild
meatballs and spaghetti for a heart so sweet
lemon juice on everything
the fridge never empty of a tub of vanilla ice cream
so full of joy and love to see the home you’ve built
for you and for me
always a fighter
always believed fought for your country, for your family
never stopped going for you and for me and grandan, we’ll miss you
no other would do what you’ve done for me for me a
nd for you we’ll miss you forever
’cause the sun always rises but it has to set,
too we’ll love you forever
we love you, we do

Deanie Reed Luke, a beloved and cherished member of the Louisville, Mississippi community, passed away peacefully on Mar...
03/25/2026

Deanie Reed Luke, a beloved and cherished member of the Louisville, Mississippi community, passed away peacefully on March 23, 2026, in her hometown of Louisville. Born on January 15, 1936, Deanie lived a life marked by dedication to family, faith, and craft.
A graduate of Bond High School, Deanie was known for her exceptional talent as a seamstress. Throughout her career, she brought her skills and warm spirit to several Louisville businesses, including Jones Men's Wear, The Diamond Shop, Livingston Sewing Center, and TRW. Her love for working with people and her commitment to excellence made her a valued employee and a friend to many.
Deanie’s faith was a cornerstone of her life. For 35 years, she was a faithful member of the East Louisville Baptist Church, where she found joy and purpose in Bible study and fellowship. She hosted prayer meetings and speakers in her home and enjoyed teaching the Bible and sharing her faith with others. Her spiritual devotion inspired those around her and reflected her caring and nurturing nature.
Family was central to Deanie’s heart. She came from a large family and treasured the time spent with her loved ones, especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, who brought her immense happiness. She is survived by her two daughters, Carol Peterson Ellington of Louisville and Gwen (Robert) Clark of Noxapater. Deanie’s brothers, Billy Frank Reed, Jerry (Glenda) Reed, Gene (Sherry) Reed—all of Louisville—Joe Lynn Reed of Starkville, Danny (Connie) Reed of Ackerman, and her sister-in-law, Sandra Reed of Vicksburg, MS, also survive her. Her grandchildren include Brandt (Bailey) Peterson, Scott Peterson, Mamie (Kyle) Krebs, Carol Ann (Taylor) Bussell, and Jackson (Abby) Clark. She also leaves behind several great-grandchildren: Layla Belle Peterson, Liza Grace Peterson, Molly Ruth Edwards, Jamison Krebs, Cora and Clark Krebs, Brody Bussell, and Dylan Bussell.
Deanie was preceded in death by her parents, Tommie and Mavis Loyd Reed; her husband Bobby Luke, and her brothers Bobby Earl Reed and Randle Reed.
A funeral service to honor and celebrate Deanie Reed Luke’s life will be held on March 27, 2026, beginning at 12:00 p.m. at Porter Funeral Home, with Rev. Trent Jaudon and Dr. Heath Hillman officiating. Visitation will be from 11:00 A.M. until service time at the funeral home. Interment will be in Murphy Creek Cemetery.
Pallbearers will be Brandt Peterson, Scott Peterson, Jackson Clark, Taylor Bussell, Kyle Krebs, Eric Reed, and Cody Reed.
Deanie’s legacy of kindness, faith, and dedication remains deeply woven into the hearts of those who knew and loved her. Her presence will be profoundly missed but fondly remembered by all who were fortunate to share in her life’s journey.

Dr. Meagan Amanda Letteri Boykin passed away peacefully on Friday, March 13, 2026, at Vanderbilt University Hospital in ...
03/16/2026

Dr. Meagan Amanda Letteri Boykin passed away peacefully on Friday, March 13, 2026, at Vanderbilt University Hospital in Nashville, Tennessee. Visitation will be held at 12:00 p.m., followed by a funeral service at 2:00 p.m., on Friday, March 20, 2026, at First Presbyterian Church in Louisville, Mississippi (844 S. Columbus Ave., Louisville, MS 39339). Burial will follow at Memorial Park Cemetery in Louisville.

Meagan was born on February 24, 1987, to Joe and Debbie Letteri in Jackson, Mississippi, and spent her early childhood in Louisville, Mississippi. She later attended Ridgeland High School in Ridgeland, Mississippi, where she met her high school sweetheart, Gunnar Boykin.

Meagan was exceptionally intelligent and worked hard at everything she did, especially academics. She excelled in the classroom and taught swim lessons after school for extra money, though she enjoyed it so much she likely would have done it for free. She spent much of her free time reading and painting, rarely doing anything without Gunnar nearby.

After graduating from Ridgeland High School in 2005, Meagan attended the University of Mississippi, where she met many of her lifelong friends. She was highly involved in campus organizations at Ole Miss, including Omicron Delta Kappa, a national leadership honor society, where she served as Membership Selection Chair. During her sophomore year, she served as a student representative on the Chancellor’s Standing Committee for Instructional Technology and spent three years as an Ole Miss Ambassador. Meagan was especially proud of her time as a member of Delta Delta Delta sorority, where she served in several leadership roles, including Vice President of Finance, Assistant Treasurer, and Madison County Hometown Head.

Meagan Letteri became Meagan Boykin on June 20, 2009, when she and Gunnar were married in Ridgeland, Mississippi, shortly after she earned her first degree from Ole Miss: a Bachelor of Arts, cm laude, in Biochemistry with a minor in Biology.

The following fall, she entered the University of Mississippi School of Pharmacy and earned her second degree in May 2010, a Bachelor of Science in Pharmaceutical Sciences, cm laude. She was also accepted as a member of the prestigious Rho Chi Society.

Meagan and Gunnar welcomed their firstborn child, a daughter named Julie Scott, in February 2012 while living in Jackson, Mississippi, as Meagan worked toward earning her Doctor of Pharmacy degree — a goal she achieved in 2013 while maintaining a 3.69 GPA.

Meagan and Gunnar later moved to Conway, Arkansas, where she worked at PharMerica’s North Little Rock location for the next ten years, serving five of those years as the location’s Pharmacy Director.

While living in Conway, she and Gunnar welcomed three more children into their family: Max in 2015, Shea in 2019, and Libby in 2024.

Meagan enjoyed life and excelled in many areas, but the role she embraced most fully was being a mother. She was a dedicated and hardworking professional, yet parenting seemed to come naturally to her. She made it look effortless.

Whether it was an afternoon bike ride, backyard water fun in the summer, walking the creek bed looking for frogs in the spring, year round gardening, a random “Mommy and Max Day,” or the nearly nightly movie snuggles on the sofa, Meagan was in her element. Her children were her entire world — her purpose and the thing she looked forward to more than anything else.

Meagan leaves behind many who loved her dearly: her husband of 16 years, Gunnar; daughters Julie Scott and Libby; sons Max and Shea; her brother, Nathan Letteri (Hailea); her mother, Debbie Holbrook (Gene); her uncle, John Letteri; and her grandmother, Melva Letteri. She is also survived by 11 nieces and nephews, most of whom affectionately referred to her as “Cookie” and countless numbers of friends.

Meagan was preceded in death by her father, Dr. Joseph Daniel Letteri; her brother, Joseph Scott Letteri; her grandparents, Elizabeth “Libby” Webb Farish and David Edwin Farish, and Daniel Letteri; and her uncle, James David Farish.

Though Meagan’s accomplishments in academics, career, and leadership were many, the legacy she was most proud of is the family she built and the love she poured into them every single day. Her presence was steady, joyful, and deeply felt by everyone who knew her. While her absence leaves an immeasurable void, the example she set as a wife, mother, daughter, sister, and friend will continue to guide and shape the lives of those who loved her most.

In lieu of flowers, friends of the family have established a fund to support Meagan’s children. Donations may be made to a GoFundMe that was set up by friends of the family. https://gofund.me/4b4caa192.

The family is deeply grateful for the love, prayers, and support shown during this difficult time.

Mr. Herbert Hope Evans, 85, passed away on Tuesday, March 3, 2026 at his daughter’s home in Philadelphia, MS surrounded ...
03/03/2026

Mr. Herbert Hope Evans, 85, passed away on Tuesday, March 3, 2026 at his daughter’s home in Philadelphia, MS surrounded by his children. Graveside services and interment will be held on Thursday, March 5, 2026 at Memorial Park Cemetery, with Pastor Heath Hillman officiating. Visitation will begin at 10:00 at Porter Funeral Home, with a graveside service beginning at 11:00 at Memorial Park. Porter Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.
Herbert was born on July 19, 1940 in Shreveport, LA to Derwood Evans and Ima Lee Bridges Sebren. He retired as an independent truck driver after more than seventy plus years on the road. He was a member of First Baptist Church.
In addition to his parents, Herbert was preceded in death by his wife, Frances Evans and three brothers, Bobby Wayne Evans, Eddie Lee Evans and Ernest Dean Sebren.
Herbert is survived by two daughters, Tracey (Michael) Fulton of Mocksville, NC and Stephanie (Chris) Cheatham of Philadelphia, MS; a son, Stephen Hope Evans of Dallas, TX; two sisters, Carol Ann Stalnacker of Hayden, AL and Gail Booker of Dallas, TX; five grandchildren, Garrett (Jessie) Fulton, Leslie (Todd) Early, Cody (Robin) Cheatham, Casea Cheatham, and Cate Cheatham; eight great grandchildren, Autumn Fulton, Weston Cheatham, Emma Grace Fulton, Eric Early, Waylon Fulton, Kinsley Cheatham, Connor Early, Margaret Early.
Pallbearers will be Garrett Fulton, Todd Early, Cody Cheatham, Channing Bucklew, Denny Bucklew, and Jeff Culwell. Honorary pallbearers will be Jerry Reed, Danny Parks, Cotton Clark, Jimmy Jackson, and Jerry Culwell.
The family would like to thank Faith Anderson, Cherteele Jones, and anyone else of Quality Hospice that has been involved with the care of our father, without your services this journey would have been much more difficult. We would also like to acknowledge and give our humble thanks to his sitter, Amy Pilgrim, for her love and care. She went beyond her duty to care for him and we want Amy to know that her care did not go unnoticed. Thank you is not enough for all the care you provided dad. We would also like to say a special thanks to his close friends for always standing in the gap to help us in a variety of ways that are to numerous to count. Your care and friendship to dad was a special gift. You never failed him and were always ready and willing to help regardless of the request. We will never forget all that you did for him, even at the very end.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to First Baptist Church, Louisville, MS or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Memphis, TN.

Mr. Joe Spinks Hancock, 89, passed away on Thursday, February 26, 2026, at the University of Mississippi Medical Center ...
03/01/2026

Mr. Joe Spinks Hancock, 89, passed away on Thursday, February 26, 2026, at the University of Mississippi Medical Center in Jackson, MS. Funeral services will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Sunday, March 1st, at Rocky Hill Methodist Church, with Rev. John Clayton Kitchens officiating. Visitation will be Sunday from 2:00 P.M. until service time at the church. Interment will be in Rocky Hill Cemetery. Porter Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Joe was born on August 9, 1936, in Louisville, MS, to Spinks and Myrtis Fulton Hancock. He was a 1959 graduate of Louisville High School. He worked with Illinois Central Railroad for 25 years, and also worked with Georgia Pacific Plywood Plant, and later as a guard for Taylor Machine Works. He was an Army veteran and a member of Rocky Hill Methodist Church. Joe loved working in his garden and ran his garden tiller until he was well into his 70’s.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Theresa Hancock; two sisters, Martha Stone and Mary June Roberts; and a brother, James Hancock.

He is survived by his daughter, Debra Ann (Kim) Fairbanks of Waldorf, MD; two sons, Jeffrey Joe Hancock of Louisville, and Glen Allen Hancock of Louisville; two grandchildren, Jacob (Hannah) Hancock and Corey (Megan) Hancock; and two great grandchildren, Millie and Lillian Hancock.

Pallbearers will be Jacob Hancock, Corey Hancock, Kim Fairbanks, Anthony Clay, Jim Eaves, and Cody Howard.

Memorials in Joe’s memory may be made to Rocky Hill Methodist Church, c/o Albert Moore, 2224 Rocky Hill Road, Louisville, MS, 39339.

Mrs. Barbara Boydstun Ming, 79, passed away at her home in Louisville MS on Wednesday, February 25, 2026, surrounded by ...
02/25/2026

Mrs. Barbara Boydstun Ming, 79, passed away at her home in Louisville MS on Wednesday, February 25, 2026, surrounded by her loving family. Barbara was born March 3, 1946, in Louisville, MS. She was a 1964 graduate of the Nanih Waiya Attendance Center. She furthered her education at East Central Junior College, receiving an associate’s degree in medical records. After graduating in 1966, she started her career at the Winston County Hospital. She continued to work there until 1970 when she and her husband adopted their first child and later on adopting two more. She stayed home until all three of her children were almost grown and went back to work at the Winston Medical Center until her retirement at age 62.
Barbara was a devoted Christian and a member of Murphy Creek Baptist Church. There was nothing more in life she loved than her three kids: Deshea, Michael, and Misty, who she cherished being with every day. Her greatest pleasure was becoming Nanny to her three grandchildren, Austin, Hunter and Kady and one great grandchild Lynnleigh.
She is preceded in death by her parents, Jewell H. Boydstun and Homer H. Boydstun Sr; sister Bettie Robinson of Byram; brother Homer H. Boydstun Jr. of Louisville, MS; and her daughter Deshea Ming.
She is survived by her husband of sixty years, Michael “Bobo” Ming; son Michael (Ginger) Ming of Louisville, MS; daughter Misty(Brian) Nichols of Louisville, MS; three grandchildren, Austin(Mandi) McDaniel, Hunter Ming, and Kady McDaniel; and her great grandchild Lynnleigh McDaniel, all of Louisville, MS; as well as a host of nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be Saturday, February 28, 2026, at the Murphy Creek Baptist Church 12:00 till 2:30 with services starting at 2:30, Bro. Mark Mayo officiating.
Pallbearers will be Hunter Ming, Austin McDaniel, Johnny Walsh, Danny Ward, Darry Crowell and Gary Fulton. Honorary Pallbearers are Keith Ming, Matt Walsh, and Eric Reed.
The family asks in lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Murphy Creek Cemetery Fund, c/o Darry Crowell, 60 Bobo Ming Road, Louisville, MS, 39339.

Address

302 W Park Street
Louisville, MS
39339

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