Webb & Stephens Funeral Homes

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.

10/25/2025

Lions, tigers, and scares, oh my! We had an amazing 2025 Candy Crawl!

10/24/2025

Come see us tomorrow at the 2025 Candy Crawl from 1:00pm to 4:00pm for some sweet treats and a chance to win our special boo basket!

10/14/2025

Alice K. Parker

Alice K. Parker, 77, of Collinsville, passed away peacefully on the evening of Sunday, October 12, 2025, at her home surrounded by her loved ones.

Alice was born to Willie J. and Merle C. (Simmons) Smith on February 21, 1948, in Hattiesburg, MS. She will be remembered as a loving and devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and friend. She enjoyed spending time with her family and cooking for them when she was able. Alice was a woman of God and dearly loved to serve with a loving heart. She was a caregiver to many in and around Meridian, Collinsville, and the Martin area. Alice had a true servant’s heart and touched the lives of many. Her absence will be deeply felt by all who knew and loved her. Alice’s family rests in the assurance that she is fully healed and resting in the arms of Jesus.

Those left to cherish her memory are her sons, Charles “Chuck” Ray Parker (Leah) and William “Bill” Michael Parker (Tammy); her daughter, Melisa Dawn Clark (Demetrius); her brother, Charles K. Smith (Vickie); a legacy of eight grandchildren and 21 great grandchildren; along with numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Willie J. and Merle Smith; her beloved husband of 54 years , Donald “Mustang” Ray Parker; her brother, Arthur Lowery Smith; and her grandsons, Jonathan Parker and Derrick Parker.

Graveside services for Alice will be held on Wednesday, October 15, 2025, at Pine Grove Baptist Church Cemetery beginning at 12:00 pm.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests for donations to be made in Alice’s honor to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, UAB Hospital, or to a charity of your choice.

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

View Alice K. Parker's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

10/04/2025

We're thrilled to be a part of the St. Joseph Health Fair today! Come by for family fun, games, music, amazing food, and of course stop by our booth to enter our raffle!

09/29/2025

CONGRATULATIONS to our incredible director Amanda Carney for placing second as 2025 Readers' Choice Best Funeral Director in The Meridian Star! You deserve this recognition, and we are proud of all the work you do!

09/29/2025

Thank you for selecting Webb & Stephens as one of the top funeral homes in Meridian! Congratulations are in order to all of the funeral homes that placed, and we send our gratitude to the families who selected us for this recognition. We are honored to serve our community!