Webb & Stephens Funeral Homes

12/19/2025

Congratulations to Amanda Carney, who has been promoted to the position of Webb & Stephens Funeral Homes General Manager! We cannot wait to see all of the great things you will do!

12/16/2025

Lennie Floy Bonner

Lennie Floy Bonner, lovingly known to her family as “Mama Lennie,” was born to Thomas and May McNeill on September 12, 1928. She passed peacefully into her heavenly home on Sunday, December 14, 2025, surrounded by her loving family.

Mama Lennie was deeply loved by her entire family and, in turn, loved each and every one of them wholeheartedly. She not only made her house a true home, but she also dedicated many years of service working at Rush Hospital as a Housekeeping Supervisor.

One of her greatest joys was cooking for her family. She was known for her many cherished recipes, from Icebox Lemon Pies to tea cakes, casseroles, and countless family dinners. No one ever left her home hungry. Mama Lennie made sure everyone had something to eat and felt cared for.

In addition to cooking, Mama Lennie enjoyed a wide variety of interests. In high school, she was a talented basketball player, and her team rarely won a game without her. She also loved hunting and fishing and enjoyed working with her hands through sewing, crocheting, quilting, and even playing the piano.

She had a love for all things vibrant, flowers of every kind and colors of every shade. She genuinely enjoyed life and lived it fully. Mama Lennie was a light to everyone she met, known for her happiness, warmth, and joyful spirit.

Above all else, she loved her church family and the Lord. One of her most treasured prayers was the Lord’s Prayer:

“Our Father in heaven, hallowed be Your name. Your kingdom come, Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil. For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you; but if you do not forgive others their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.”

Lennie is survived by her daughters, Sandra Dean (Bobby) and Cindy Taylor Reeser; stepchildren, Beverly Davis (Ray) and Brenda Weaver (David); grandchildren, Vickie Smith (Gary), Donna Miller, Dusty Taylor (Angela), Jessie Taylor, Lisa Bucklew, Susan Hughes (Kenny), and Angela Dean; numerous great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren; and a host of beloved nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Thomas McNeill and May Tatum; her soulmate of 28 years, James R. Bonner; her beloved husbands, Nady Taylor and Edvan Sheehan; her son, Mike Taylor; and her daughter, Aline Weaver.

Pallbearers will be Dusty Taylor, Ryan King, Michael Smith, Josh Bucklew, Thomas Bucklew, and Dewayne Evans. Honorary pallbearers are Zach Simons and Kenny Hughes.

Services will be held on Friday, December 19, 2025, at 11:00 a.m., with visitation one hour prior to the service, at Webb & Stephens Funeral Home – Downtown. A graveside service will follow at McNeill Cemetery, located at Blue Spring Baptist Church in Chunky, Mississippi. Both services will be officiated by Bro. Lin Chesney.

View Lennie Floy Bonner's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

12/11/2025

Please click the link below to join us for the livestream of our Webb & Stephens Christmas Memorial Program
https://event.forgetmenotceremonies.com/ceremony?c=50239609-b156-487b-a970-25188b993477

12/04/2025

Donald "Don" W. Cummings

Donald “Don” W. Cummings, of Meridian, MS, passed away peacefully after a lengthy battle with Alzheimer’s disease on Wednesday, November 26th, 2025 at the age of 86. Born on October 3rd, 1939, Don was a lifelong resident of Meridian where he worked for decades driving bread and milk trucks making deliveries for both Sunbeam and Borden Companies. Married for 67 years to his wife Joyce, they raised three children and remained constant companions over the years cheering on the Crimson Tide of Alabama.

Preceded in death by brothers Ronald and Jerry Cummings; and parents Robert and Helen Cummings. Survived by wife Joyce Cummings; son Dewayne (Sue) Cummings; daughters Teresa (Mike) Saunders and Brenda (Bobby) Moore; grandchildren Chad Spears, Brandon Spears, Danielle Spears, Michael Cummings, and Tyler Cummings; and several great-grandchildren.

Don will be laid to rest during a gravesite service at Magnolia Cemetery on December 18th, 2025 at 11:00 a.m.

In lieu of flowers or donations, please hug someone you love.

View Donald "Don" W. Cummings's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

12/02/2025

There's one gift we can give our loved ones that matters most, and it's not anything we can place under the Christmas tree🎄.

It's our final arrangements planned and funded.

Sure, no one likes to talk about it, but the fastest way to end up on Santa's naughty list is to leave loved ones without a plan in place and a funeral that can cost $10,000 or more.

Come see our counselors (nice list certified) who can help you give the greatest gift of all this holiday season.

Don't wait another Christmas. Pre-plan now.

12/01/2025

Carolyn Jean Warren

Carolyn Jean Stanford Warren was born on December 19, 1930, in Bladon Springs, AL. Jean later passed away peacefully at her home in Meridian, MS on November 29, 2025.

Jean graduated in 1948 from Silas High School in Silas, AL. She then attended Livingston University, in Livingston, AL, where she graduated in 1951 with a bachelor's degree in education.

With her degree in education, she taught second grade at Poplar Springs Elementary School 30 years before retiring. She enjoyed her teaching career and loved each one of her students dearly as she taught over the years. She was even a member of the Retired Teachers’ Association and enjoyed monthly luncheons as her health permitted.

Jean enjoyed baking, cooking, and making floral arrangements. She would bake goodies for friends, medical facilities, and many others. Once she knew someone was not feeling well, she would deliver soups and juice. She also enjoyed feeding the neighborhood cats, as she did not want to see them go hungry.

Jean was also a member of Bladon Springs Church in Alabama and a faithful member of Jones Memorial Presbyterian Church, of Meridian, Ms.

Jean was preceded in death by her husband of 63 years, William Webb “Bill” Warren; and her parents, Wes and Abbie Standford of Silas, AL.

She is survived by her first cousins, Charles Martin (Judie), Caroline Martin, Joshua and Barrett Brown, Jill Goolsby (Rick) and Robin Swift; along with her cousins, Robin Stanford Smith, Donna Gayle Hannah; also included are Nephews, Jay Warren (Karen), Mark Warren (Kathy); as well as Niece, Lynn Meany (David); Great Nephew, Webb Warren (Malise); along with a host of great nephews and nieces; her special friends, Alan and Rita Flint, her loving church family.

The family wishes to offer special thanks to her caregivers, Kathy Miller, Shirley Edwards, Rae’shal Edwards, and Mary Cobb for their love, care, and devotion to Jean.

Pallbearers will be Alan Flint, Robin Swift, Sammy Pogue, Jay Warren, Webb Warren, and Mark Warren.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Jean’s honor to Jones Memorial Presbyterian Church in Meridian or to the charity of your choice.

Services will be Wednesday, December 3, 2025, at 11:00 AM at Jones Memorial Presbyterian Church with visitation an hour prior, and Brother Allan W. Singletary officiating. Burial will take place in Magnolia Cemetery.

The staff of Webb & Stephens Funeral Homes-Downtown is grateful for the opportunity to honor Jean's life and memory and to serve her loving during this time.

View Carolyn Jean Warren's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

11/29/2025

Kennie Edwin Gilstrap Sr.

Kennie Edwin Gilstrap, Sr., 92, was born on September 20, 1933, in Natchez, Mississippi, to Albert and Selah Gilstrap and departed this life on November 25, 2025, in Groves, Texas.

Kennie proudly served in the United States Army followed by the National Guard, completing a commendable military career ending in retirement that reflected his sense of duty and honor. Following his military retirement Kennie built a career in the Maintenance Department at Dupont, where he retired for a second time.

Kennie's dedication extended further into his community through his involvement with the Masonic Lodge. As a Master Mason at Madison Lodge No. 126, he exemplified the values of brotherhood, charity, and integrity. He was also an active member of the North Orange Baptist Church, where he connected with others and contributed to the community's spiritual fabric.

In addition to his commitment to work and community service, Kennie possessed a passion for woodworking and fishing. He spent countless hours crafting beautiful furniture for his home and creating custom cedar chests for each of his beloved grandchildren, showcasing his talents and his love for family. His hobbies were not just pastimes; they were extensions of his nurturing spirit and creativity.

Kennie is survived by his loving daughter, Selah Gilstrap Benton and her husband Mark; his son, Craig Gilstrap and his wife Mary; as well as his cherished grandchildren: Patricia Broussard and husband, Kyle , Andrea Williams and her husband Steven, Corey Gilstrap and his wife Tabitha. He also leaves behind his great-grandchildren, who brought him immense joy: Ray Reider, Cole Williams, Abigail Broussard, Allie Broussard, Audrey Broussard, Ayden Broussard, Rowan Gilstrap, and Lena Gilstrap.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Albert and Selah Gilstrap, and two sons, Kennie Gilstrap, Jr. and Gerald Gilstrap.

The family would like to extend a special “Thank You” to Heart to Heart Hospice – Especially Tasha Brooms RN, Chelsea Ardoin CNA, Renesha Carter CNA, Chaplain Mike Wood, and Social Worker Graig Ehrensberger; as well as Penny and Andrew Lee, owners of Forever Young Home in Groves

Visitation will be held on November 29, 2025, from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM, followed by the funeral service at 3:00 PM at Claybar Funeral Home in Orange with Reverend Lynn Ashcraft officiating.

Burial will be held on Friday, December 5th, 11:00 a.m. at the Mississippi Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Newton, MS with a visitation being held the night before at Webb & Stephens Funeral Home-Downtown in Meridian, MS from 5:00-7:00 p.m.

Kennie Edwin Gilstrap, Sr. will always be remembered for his dedication to family, service to country, and the joy he brought to those around him through his kindness and craftsmanship. His memory will continue to inspire those who loved him.

View Kennie Edwin Gilstrap Sr.'s obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

11/27/2025

May you have a safe and blessed Thanksgiving this year!

11/21/2025

Come and take a tour of the most beautiful perpetual care gardens in Meridian

11/11/2025

Happy Veteran's Day to those who protect our country. We will always honor your heroism and remember the sacrifices made that keep America safe.

11/04/2025

Elizabeth "Beth" Hobgood Clark

Elizabeth “Beth” Hobgood Clark, age 85, of Meridian, Mississippi, passed away peacefully on October 27, 2025.

Born on February 26, 1940, in Meridian, Mississippi, Beth spent her life devoted to her family, her faith, and her community. She worked faithfully as the secretary to the Meridian Chief of Police for 30 years and later served as the secretary for the Lauderdale County Sheriff’s Department for over a decade. After her retirement from public service, she continued to greet others with her warm smile as a receptionist at Norman Roofing.

Beth was a member of Central United Methodist Church, where she treasured her church family and joyfully served as treasurer of her Sunday school class for many years. Her faith guided her life and shone through in the kindness, humor, and generosity she shared with everyone around her.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Otis & Cecilia Hobgood, her sisters Amy Lampton and Felicia Sessums, her husband, Harold Clark, and her daughter, Cheryl Culberson. She is survived by her children Wayne Dowdle (Debbie Batia) and Amy Norman (Chuck); her stepchildren Debbie Barnes (Harry), Steve Clark, and Leslie Clark; her grandchildren Ashley Slaton (Rush), Justin Dowdle (Brenna), Amanda Culberson, Tyler Norman (Julia), and Amber Brune (Jeffrey); several great-grandchildren and many friends and extended family who loved her dearly.

Beth will be remembered for her loving heart, her gentle spirit, and her gift of making everyone feel special. She found joy in crocheting, cooking for her loved ones, and spending time surrounded by her family.

A visitation will be held on Thursday, October 30, 2025, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at Webb Funeral Home (Downtown) in Meridian, Mississippi. The funeral service and graveside will follow at 12:00 p.m.

Beth’s life was one of faith, laughter, and love—an example of grace and goodness that will continue to inspire all who knew her.

View Elizabeth "Beth" Hobgood Clark's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.