Robert Barham Family Funeral Home

02/03/2026

Funeral Service for Mr. Rod Ezelle | Tuesday, February 3rd, 2026 at 12:00 p.m. | Rev. Michael Pogue officiating

02/02/2026

William "Bill" Clark Barber

Graveside services for Mr. William “Bill” Clark Barber will begin at 12:45 PM Wednesday, February 4, 2026, at Pine Grove Church Cemetery in the Martin Community with The Reverends Dr. Nathan L. Barber and Kyle Thompson officiating. Interment will follow graveside rites. The Barber Family will receive guests from 11:00 AM until 12:00 PM, at the funeral home, prior to departure to the cemetery. Robert Barham Family Funeral Home is honored to be entrusted with the arrangements.

William “Bill” Clark Barber, 82, of Collinsville, passed away peacefully at home on January 31, 2026, surrounded by loved ones. He was born on June 10, 1943. He was affectionately known as Daddy, Daddy Bill, and Papaw, names that reflected the deep love he gave and received throughout his life. A man of faith, service, and devotion to family, he lived a life marked by hard work, generosity, and a joyful spirit.

Bill was a man of deep faith and faithful service. He was a former Deacon at Southside Baptist Church, where he also held many other leadership roles over the years. His commitment to his church family and community was steadfast and heartfelt.

He proudly served his country in the United States Air Force from 1966 to 1970, where he made history as the first two-stripe airman appointed as a Military Training Instructor, a remarkable achievement that spoke to his integrity, leadership, and work ethic.

Throughout his life, Bill worked tirelessly to provide for his family and serve others. He was a salesman, a grocery store owner, a JCPenney department manager, an award-winning professional with MetLife, Manager of Fred’s, and a car salesman with Bill Ethridge. In the early 1980s, he also brought joy and laughter to countless children and families as Ronald McDonald, a role perfectly suited to his warm heart and playful spirit. He was lovingly known as “Deb Dad,” always stepping in with support, kindness, and a helping hand.

He is survived by his loving wife of 63 years, Sandra Lee Barber; his daughters, Tricia Vaughn (Greg) and Tiffany Bohl (Johnny); and his cherished grandchildren, Madison Shepherd (D.W.), Makenzie Thompson (Kyle), and Brooks Bohl (Chloe). He also leaves behind his adored great-grandchildren, Marlee Thompson, John Murphy Thompson (expected in February), and Emery Leigh Shepherd (expected in May). He is further survived by his brother, Dr. Nathan L. Barber (Pat), and his beloved fur baby, Sophie.

He is preceded in death by his parents, W.A. “Bud” Barber and Josie Giles Barber; his in-laws, Max D. Lee and Sara Lee; his sister, Joan Martin Bartlett; and his infant daughter, Julie Barber.

Bill will be remembered for his unwavering faith, strong work ethic, infectious humor, and the profound love he had for his family. His legacy lives on through the generations he helped shape and the countless lives he touched.

Serving as pallbearers will be Greg Vaughn, Johnny Bohl, Kyle Thompson, Brooks Bohl, D. W. Shepherd, and Billy Wayne Ransom.

Online condolences may be expressed at robertbarhamffh.com.

View William "Bill" Clark Barber's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

01/31/2026

Emily "Sis" Thompson

Ms. Emily "Sis" Thompson, age 97, of Plaquemine, Louisiana, passed away peacefully on January 25, 2026, at The Preserve in Meridian, Mississippi. A memorial service celebrating her life will be held at a later date in Louisiana. Robert Barham Family Funeral Home is honored to be entrusted with the arrangements.

Emily, affectionately known as Sis, was born on January 17, 1929, in Franklin, Louisiana, to the late Hubert Joseph and Milda Mary Pinell Millet. She later married Pershing Thompson, and together they shared 49 years of marriage. They enjoyed camping, traveling, gardening, and spending time with their many friends and family.

Sis worked various jobs throughout her life, but her most cherished role was serving as a bookkeeper for the City Light and Water Plant of Plaquemine, Louisiana.

She had many talents, including cooking, gardening, drawing, and painting. "Junking," or antiquing, was one of her favorite pastimes, and she took great joy in displaying the treasures she found. Sis also gave back to her community through volunteer work at her local hospital and with the charitable organization Brothers Keepers. She was a longtime member of St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church, Plaquemine, LA.

She is survived by her numerous loving nieces and nephews, her six stepchildren, and numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Pershing Thompson; and her siblings, Hubert Millet, Jr., Homer Millet, Rita Mae Millet McMorris, and Evelyn Millet Paul.

Those wishing to honor Ms. Thompson's memory may consider a donation to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital (https://www.stjude.org/) or to EMAR (East Mississippi Animal Rescue- https://www.eastmsanimalrescue.com/)

Online condolences may be expressed to the family atwww.robertbarhamffh.com

The family would like extend a special thank you to the community, staff and nurses at The Preserve, as well as the nurses and staff with Accent Care Hospice for all of your love, care and support.

View Emily "Sis" Thompson's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

01/31/2026

Rod Ezelle

Memorial services for Rod Ezelle will be held Tuesday, February 3, 2026, at 12:00 PM at Robert Barham Family Funeral Home with Rev. Michael Pogue officiating. Visitation will be an hour prior to services at the funeral home.

Rod Ezelle was born August 2, 1935, and went to be with Jesus on January 29th, 2026. Rod grew up in the Nellieburg community of Lauderdale County, MS. He lived most of his life in Meridian, MS, before moving to Union in 2024 to be closer to relatives. He was married to his high school sweetheart from Suqualena High School, Virginia Dare Rogers Ezelle, for 70 years.

Rod was known as a talker and a storyteller. He often bragged about his first-grade debut in a school play, where he practiced his single line over and over-an early sign of a gift that would serve him well throughout life. That gift led to a successful career in sales, where he worked a combined total of 52 years with Hasson Wholesale Grocery Company and later Bill Ethridge Lincoln Mercury. Rod believed strongly in work ethic and lived by the principle he often shared with his sons, "Do it well or not at all."

Faith was the foundation of Rod's life. He attended Midway Baptist Church for 83 years, where he was saved and later served faithfully as a deacon and Sunday school teacher for 60 years. He made sure his family was in church and that the Bible was read together in their home. His favorite Bible verse was 2 Chronicles 7:14, and his favorite hymn was "How Great Thou Art."

During his retired years, Rod found joy in simple routines. He could often be found sitting outside, reading his Bible and saying his prayers before listening to gospel music and enjoying medleys-sometimes with words mixed up or blended from other songs. His family liked to tease him that these weren't the real songs, but Poppa's own versions. He also read the newspaper every day, but only the funny papers and the death section, always making an exception for any column by Rev. Billy Graham.

Rod began playing Mexican Train dominoes with his wife and church friends, and in his later years it became a regular part of family gatherings. It was one of the few sources of daily entertainment he kept up in his later years. He also enjoyed watching television, especially westerns and classic movies.

Rod and Virginia were blessed with three sons: Ricky Ezelle (Teresa) of Laurel, MS; Joey Ezelle(Susan) of Union, MS, and Ken Ezelle (Stacey) of Vestavia, AL. He was a proud grandfather to six grandchildren-Malorie Ezelle Thornton (Jerome), Heather King Henderson (Josh), Anna Laurie Ezelle Hamrick (Dustin), Ryan Ezelle, Ashley Ezelle Barahona (Carlos), and Alex Ezelle (Anna Margaret)-and delighted in ten great-grandchildren. He was fondly known as Poppa by all of them.

Rod is also survived by his brother, Jerry Ezelle, and his wife Elizabeth Ann, of Dallas, TX. He was preceded in death by his parents, Archie Edsel Ezelle and Johnnie Ethridge Ezelle, and his son, Ricky Ezelle.

The family suggests memorial contributions be made to Gideons International.

View Rod Ezelle's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

01/28/2026

Mary "Joyce" Mars

Funeral services celebrating the life of Mrs. Mary Joyce Mars will begin at 1:00 p.m. on Thursday, January 29, 2026 at Robert Barham Family Funeral Home, with Rev. Jimmy Williams officiating. The family will receive guests from 12:00 until 12:45 prior to the service at the funeral home. Interment will be held at Boman Family Cemetery. Robert Barham Family Funeral Home is honored to be entrusted with the arrangements.

Mrs. Mars, age 80, formerly of Meridian, passed away on Tuesday, January 27, 2026 at her home in Brandon.

Joyce was born on November 23, 1945 in Clarke County, Mississippi to the late Henry Clay and Minnie Etta Smith Boman. Joyce attended Quitman High School. In 1975, she married C.M. Mars, and together they enjoyed many happy years. She loved her puppy, Tootsie, who faithfully stood by her side. Joyce had a green thumb. She enjoyed cooking (and will be remembered for her banana bread and poppy seed bread) and being outdoors. She always enjoyed travelling - especially with her sisters and sisters-in-law on their annual beach trip.

She is survived by her daughters, Connie Minella (Ed), Pam Mayo, and Missy Dunham; son, Tim Mars (Marshon); grandchildren, Angel Wilborn (Zack) and Christopher Watson; great-grandchildren, Callie Woods, Karley Minella, Zoe Woods, Paisley Watson, Cambree Enzor, Oxford Minella, and Marley Minella; siblings, Bennie Boman, Sandra Long, and Kathy McLeod (Joey); and numerous other family members and friends.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Charles "C.M" Mars; grandson, Tony Minella; her parents; and one brother, Joseph Eddie Boman.

Pallbearers will be Ben Boman, Bo Boman, Joseph Boman, Robbie Boman, Andy Mars, Joe McLeod, Lamar Rich, and Scott Spears.

Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.robertbarhamffh.com.

View Mary "Joyce" Mars's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

01/26/2026

Margaret Valles

Funeral services for Mrs. Margaret Valles will be held at 10:00 AM, Thursday, January 29, 2026, at Robert Barham Family Funeral Home with Bro. Randall Sims officiating. Interment will follow at MS Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Newton, MS. Visitation will be Wednesday, January 28, 2026, from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Robert Barham Family Funeral Home.

Mrs. Margaret Valles, 71, of Meridian, MS passed away Friday, January 23, 2026, at MS Care Center of Raleigh, MS.

Margaret was born and raised in Meridian, MS. She graduated from Meridian High School in 1972. She spent many years in pharmacy and in the optical field, fitting and adjusting eyeglasses where she met her husband, but her favorite job in life was being a proud mother and Nanny. She was dedicated member of Mt. Vernon Baptist Church where she sang in the choir.

She is survived by her devoted husband of 42 years Johnny Valles, son, Justin Stevens (Jessica), daughter, Savannah Ivey (Greg), and cherished grandchildren whom she referred to as her angels, Brendan, Mary Margaret, Cole, Jackson, Jensen, and Jace, her sister, Clara Bean, and her half-sister Sandra Waldron, along with a number of nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by, her parents, Arnold and Loyce Sims, and her brother, Gary Sims.

The family request memorials be made to Alzheimer's Association Mississippi Chapter and their link to donate is alz.org/ms.

Pallbearers will be Greg Ivey, Justin Stevens, Brendan Stevens, Cole King, Shane Simmons, and Willie Nelson.

Online condolences may be expressed at roberbarhamffh.com.

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01/24/2026

Joanne Parker

Funeral services for Mrs. Joanne Parker will begin at 1:00 PM Wednesday, January 28, 2026, at Robert Barham Family Funeral Home chapel with Reverend Mike Boles officiating. Interment will follow graveside rites at Sandy Haven Missionary Baptist Church Cemetery in the Stonewall Community. The Parker Family will receive guests from 5:00 PM until 7:00 PM Tuesday, January 27, 2026, at the funeral home. Robert Barham Family Funeral Home is honored to be entrusted with the arrangements.

Mrs. Parker, 66, of the Rolling Creek Community in Clarke County, formerly of Noxapater, died Friday, January 23, 2026, at her home surrounded by her loving family, following an extended illness.

Joanne was a Christian by faith and a dedicated and active member of The Evangel Temple Church. Joanne was a dedicated mother to her children and was a loving grandmother to her eight grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren, who were her pride and joy. She was an avid reader; she loved spending the holidays with her family and attending the Mistletoe Marketplace. She was a frequent flyer and also enjoyed traveling to various places, but she loved the beach most of all.

Joanne is survived by her children, Nathaniel Parker (Tiara), Alesia Miller, and Ciara Brown (Ollie); grandchildren, Austin Parker (Erin), Chloe Parker, Aiden Parker; Amery Miller; and Aria Parker, Mallory Parker, Kennon Brown, and Ollie Dean Brown; great-grandchildren, Paxton Parker and Scottie Laine Parker; siblings, Teresa Parker (Kendall), Renea Wilson (Kevin), and Ricky Burns (Teresa); as well as a host of nieces, nephews, and extended family members.

Mrs. Parker is preceded in death by her husband, Kenneth Ladell Parker; and her parents, Willie Joe and Delma Slawson.

The Parker Family suggests memorials be made as donations to The Evangel Temple Church in lieu of flowers.

Online condolences may be expressed at robertbarhamffh.com.

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01/22/2026

William Knight

William L. Knight, age 78, of Meridian, MS passed away Wednesday, January 22, 2026. Services for William will be held at later date. Robert Barham Family Funeral Home is honored to be entrusted with the arrangements.

William retired as a truck driver from Structural Steel.

He is survived by his best friend, Ann Brewster; children, Michael Knight (Renee), Jill Knight-Sullivan (Anthony), Alana Knight, Carina Knight; many grandchildren and great-grandchildren, siblings, Retha House (Eddie), Robert Knight, and Joe Knight (Jo Ann), and many extended family members.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Willie and Christine Knight, and sister-in-law Donna Knight.

Online condolences may be expressed at robertbarhamffh.com.

View William Knight's obituary, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

01/22/2026

Mildred Freeman

Funeral services celebrating the life of Mrs. Mildred Savell Freeman will begin at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, January 30, 2026 at New Hope Missionary Baptist Church in Collinsville. The family will receive guests from 5:00 until 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, January 29, 2026 at Robert Barham Family Funeral Home. Interment will follow at Providence Missionary Baptist Church Cemetery. Robert Barham Family Funeral Home is honored to be entrusted with the arrangements.

Mrs. Freeman, age 93, of Suqualena went to her Heavenly home on January 22, 2026 at Baptist Anderson Regional Medical Center.

Mrs. Mildred was born in Sharkey County, Mississippi on December 2, 1932 to the late Woody and Lula Mae Divine Savell. She was one of 10 children. Mildred attended Bloomo School. She married the love of her life, Levon Freeman, and to their union, three children were born. She was a devoted Christian and a charter member of New Hope Missionary Baptist Church, where she served as pianist, Sunday School Teacher, and wherever else she was needed. Many ministers will remember her delicious meals. Because of her deep rooted faith, she always had an encouraging word, or a scripture, to face whatever need or challenge arose. Mildred was a homemaker at heart, always taking care of her family to the best of her ability. She enjoyed planting vegetable gardens and especially enjoyed giving away what she had grown.

She is survived by her children, Kathy Buffington (Mike) and Keith Freeman (Avery); grandchildren, Lee Buffington (Mandy), Ken Buffington (Stephanie), Jeremy Freeman (girlfriend, Lexi), Cole Freeman (Brooke), Zachary Freeman, and Levi Freeman; great-grandchildren, Michael Lee Buffington, III, Cody Buffington, Caden Buffington, Carson Buffington, and Nash Freeman; siblings, Lula Mae Baskin and Lorene Dooley; and numerous other family members and friends.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Alton Levon Freeman; one son, Stephen Levon Freeman; and seven siblings.

Pallbearers will be Jeremy Freeman, Cole Freeman, Zachary Freeman, Levi Freeman, Lee Buffington, Ken Buffington, and Marty Dooley. Honorary pallbearers are Michael Lee Buffington, III, Cody Buffington, Caden Buffington, and Carson Buffington.

Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.robertbarhamffh.com.

View Mildred Freeman's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

01/22/2026

Ike K. Ethridge

Funeral service for Ike K. Ethridge will be held Saturday, January 24, 2026, at 1:00 PM at Robert Barham Family Funeral Home with Rev. Hal Bates and Rev. Jimmy Williams officiating. The family will receive friends from 11:00 AM to 12:45 PM at the funeral home prior to service in the chapel. Burial to follow at Antioch Southern Methodist Church Cemetery. Robert Barham Family Funeral Home is honored to be entrusted with arrangements.

Ike Keith Ethridge, age 67, born March 29, 1958, to Ikie and Geraldine Ethridge, passed away Wednesday, January 21, 2026, surrounded by his family. Ike lived a life marked by faith, service, and a genuine kindness that touched everyone he met.

A proud graduate of West Lauderdale High School, Ike excelled both in the classroom and on the field. He played baseball, basketball, football, and was part of multiple facets for the band. He was the recipient of the Richard May Award for excellence in academics and athletics. His dedication to learning continued at East Mississippi Community College where he studied engineering, and later at Mississippi State University earning a bachelor's degree in mathematics and physical education along with a master's degree in education administration. He went on to complete a Bachelor of Arts in Fire Science from the University of Memphis.

Ike began his career as a coach, teacher, and administrator shaping young lives with patience and encouragement. In 1988, he followed a new calling and became a firefighter and later a fire inspector at NAS Meridian where he served faithfully until his retirement in 2009. His passion for firefighting never faded as he continued serving his community as a firefighter at Key Field Airbase until 2018. Ike approached every role with integrity, courage, and a servant's heart.

Ike is survived by his loving wife of 45 years, Tracy Ethridge; his children, Kylie Tisdale (Paul), Jessica Alexander (Josh), and Landon Ethridge (Alison); and his cherished grandchildren, Ashlynn, Atlie, Adalee, Levi, and Kennedy. His family was his greatest joy, and he poured his heart into every moment spent with them.

Ike was preceded in death by his father and mother, Ikie and Geraldine, brother-in-law, Ricky Roberson, and father-in-law, Rev. Tommy Scarbrough.

A man of deep faith, Ike was a member of First Baptist Church Collinsville and attended Pursuit Church. He served as a long time choir member, youth leader and had a strong passion for missions, working with groups such as Builders for Christ and World Changers. His commitment to serving others reflected the foundation of his life.

Ike wished to be remembered as "first and foremost someone who loved the Lord, and someone who tried to be kind and considerate to not only family and friends but anyone he met." Those who knew him would agree he lived that legacy every day.

In his free time, Ike enjoyed playing golf, bird watching, spending time with his grandchildren, supporting MSU sports, and spoiling his faithful dog, Arya. He also loved the simple joy of hunting for the best deals at Target.

Ike Keith Ethridge leaves behind a legacy of faith, humility, service, and love. His memory will continue to inspire all who were blessed to know him.

Online condolences may be expressed at robertbarhamffh.com.

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01/21/2026

Charles Nowell

Funeral services for Mr. Charles C. Nowell will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, January 23, 2026 at Salem Baptist Church in Kewanee with Rev. Bob Followell officiating. Burial will follow at Salem Baptist Church Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 5:30 until 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, January 22, 2026 at Robert Barham Family Funeral Home. Robert Barham Family Funeral Home is honored to be entrusted with arrangements.

Mr. Charles C. Nowell, 80, of Lauderdale passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family on Wednesday, January 21.

Charles was born July 10, 1945 in Meridian and was a veteran of the United States Army, having served as a medic during the Vietnam War. A man of many talents, Mr. Nowell worked most of his life as a truck driver. He and his wife worked for many years remodeling houses. Charles enjoyed being outdoors, hunting and fishing, and especially loved spending time with his family. He had a knack for fixing things, tinkering with projects, and riding motorcycles. At the age of 75, he received his pilot's license and enjoyed flying with his friends to fly-ins throughout the area.

Mr. Nowell was a member of Salem Baptist Church for over 40 years. He and Mrs. Nowell oversaw the maintenance and administration of the church cemetery.

Mr. Nowell is survived by his wife of 57 years, Beverly Nowell; his daughter, Regina Lynn Haralson (Christopher); his grandchildren, Katie Westerfield (Chandler), Tyler Nowell (Jennifer), Matthew Miller, Miles Miller (Chloe), and Hannah Nowell; great-grandchildren, Sophia, Kinsley, Easton Ray, Colton, Miles, and Ryleigh Cate; and his siblings, Billy Joe Nowell and Mary McGehee; as well as other beloved extended family members.

Mr. Nowell was preceded in death by his parents, Coyt and Lorine Nowell; his son, Charles "Ricky" Nowell; and his brothers, Sam Nowell and Willie Nowell.

Pall bearers will be Christopher Haralson, Matthew Miller, Miles Miller, Tyler Nowell, Charles Black, and Andrew Black.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.robertbarhamffh.com.

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