Newton County Funeral Home

01/26/2026

John Carl McCall, age 67, passed away Tuesday, January 20, 2026, at his residence in Newton. He was born Friday, May 16, 1958 to Bruce and Trudy McCall in San Diego, California. John enjoyed reading, playing games, going to historical sites, going to the beach, and coin collecting. John was a 1977 graduate of Newton High School.

Deeply mourned by his father, Bruce Carl McCall; one brother, Edward McCall; two sisters, Lisa McArdle and Carole Azarcon; four nephews, Caleb Duke, Brody Duke, Patrick McArdle, and Matthew McCall and one niece, Ashlee Potter.

Preceded in death by his wife, Patricia McCall, his mother, Trudy McCall and one brother, Horsty McCall.

Per John's wishes, the family will have a private family ceremony at a later date.

Beloved son, brother, and friend, forever in our hearts.

An online guestbook may be viewed and signed at www.newtoncountyfuneralhome.com

01/26/2026

David Ward Cleveland, age 76, and resident of Hickory, passed away Sunday, January 25, 2026 at Baptist Anderson Regional Medical Center in Meridian. He was born Wednesday, October 26, 1949 in Newton to his parents, Robert Vance and Mary Helen Davis Cleveland.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, January 27, 2026 from 5:00 pm until 8:00 pm at Newton County Funeral Home - South, 100 Old Highway 15 Loop, Newton.

Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, January 28, 2026 at 1:00 pm at Newton County Funeral Home - South.

Burial will follow in Antioch Christian Church Cemetery at Hickory under the direction of Newton County Funeral Home.

Bro. Cade Price will officiate.

Mr. Cleveland was a graduate of Hickory High School, and a longtime employee of ESCO Corp. for 44 years where he retired as maintenance coordinator. He was a member of Newton Christian Church, where he served as Elder. Favorite past times were working on vintage tractors and spending time with his family.

He was preceded in death by his parents and one sister, Helen Valentine Davis.

Survivors include his wife of 54 years, Cora May Gibbs Cleveland of Hickory; one son, Jason Cleveland (Rebekha) of Sturgis; two daughters, Angie Guimaray (Mirko) of Hickory and Cassie Jacobs (Jonathan) of Lawrence; five grandchildren, Christian Cleveland (Dani) of Mantee, Savanah Cleveland and Emma Cleveland, both of Sturgis, Leah Jacobs and Mara Jacobs both of Lawrence; one great grandchild, Levi Cleveland of Mantee; one brother, Donnie Cleveland (Liz) of Newton; two sisters, Nell Blackwell and Pat Sims, both of Bay Springs; several nieces and nephews also survive.

Pallbearers will be Doug Blackwell, Mike Blackwell, Alan Sims, Chris Cleveland, Mark Valentine, and Robert Valentine.

Honorary pallbearers will be Mike Williams and Luke Little.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Mid-South Christian College, 3097 Knight Rd, Memphis, TN 38118.

Newton County Funeral Home - South is in charge of arrangements.

An online guestbook may be signed at www.newtoncountyfuneralhome.com

01/21/2026

Wanda Kay McLaurin, age 72, and a twenty-two year resident of Philadelphia, moving here from North Carolina, in 2004, passed away Thursday, January 15, 2026 at her residence surrounded by her family.

Wanda Kay was born Sunday, May 17, 1953 in Hendersville, North Carolina, to her parents, Arthur and Martha Sue Bowers Haney, who preceded her in death. She worked in various occupations during her working career, from office manager, beautician, and sales clerk, most recently, at Jerome Tank Bargain Center. Favorite past times were dancing, and watching TV, specifically, NCIS, and CSI Miami. She enjoyed spending time with her family and friends. She will be missed by those who knew and loved her.

She was preceded in death by her son, Glenn Watkins, grandson, Shawn Davis; her parents, and siblings, Tilda, George, Danny, Larry, and Sammy.

Survivors include her ex-husband, and caregiver, Terry McLaurin of Philadelphia; two sons, Chadwick Levi Watkins and Bobby Inman , III, both of South Carolina; one daughter, Michelle Owen of Philadelphia; three grandsons, Bradon Inman, Grayson Watkins and Michael Cass McLaurin; three granddaughters, Kayla Watkins, Che` Watkins and Emma Watkins; one sister: Lou Ellen Cash of Atlanta, GA.

Per Wanda's request, there will be no services.

An online guestbook may be viewed and signed at

Newton County Funeral Home quietly provides support, guidance, compassion and total commitment at a time when inner strength and peace are challenged.

01/15/2026

Donna Lynn Stamper, 82 of Conehatta, Mississippi, passed away Wednesday, January 14, 2026. She was born Friday, June 4, 1943 in Newton, Mississippi.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, January 17, 2026 from 12:00 pm until 1:30 pm at Newton County Funeral Home - North, 9998 Hwy. 15 North, Newton.

Graveside services will be held on Saturday, January 17, 2026 at 2:00 pm at Conehatta Methodist Church Cemetery. Burial will follow the graveside rites. Bro. Wiilliam Savell will officiate. Newton County Funeral Home - North is in charge of arrangements.

Donna was a retired inspector for the USDA. She loved cooking and reading, spending time with family and visiting with friends.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Arnell Stamper; father, Stanley Neil McCraney; mother, Mary Ruth Gaines McCraney, one brother, Stan McCraney and one nephew, Matt Gibbon.

Survivors include her son, James Stamper (Brenda); one sister, Judy Gibbon; three grandchildren, Katelyn Matthews (Jeffrey), Jamie Stamper and Karlie Stamper; several nieces and nephews survive.

Pallbearers will be Ted Horn, Justin Horn, Jeffrey Matthews, John Everett, Ronnie Adcock, and Chris Ezell.

Newton County Funeral Home - North is in charge of arrangements.

An online guestbook may be viewed and singed at

Newton County Funeral Home quietly provides support, guidance, compassion and total commitment at a time when inner strength and peace are challenged.

01/14/2026

EDITH SANDRA SMITH JONES

Sandra Jones, a devoted Christian, mother, wife, daughter, and friend, departed this life on January 13th, 2026.

Edith Sandra Smith was born on November 15th, 1939 in Newton, Mississippi to Emmett Vardaman Smith and Gertrude Ann Munn Smith. Sandra married Walter Allan Jones of Hickory, Mississippi on December 19th, 1964 and unto this union a son, Rex Allan Jones, was born. She is survived by Rex and his wife, Cara Matlock Jones.

Growing up between Hickory and Newton, Sandra attended Hickory High School and graduated from Newton High School. After attending East Central Junior College, she was hired as the first office employee at La-Z-Boy South. She later worked for and retired from Esco Corporation.

Sandra was an avid sports fan and was especially thrilled to be in Omaha cheering on the Mississippi State Bulldogs to the national baseball championship. She loved traveling and spent her eightieth birthday leaf-peeping in New England. Every summer, she could be seen weekly on the lawn mower taking care of her lovely yard that always had something blooming.

Sandra was a faithful follower of Jesus Christ as a member of Hickory Baptist Church and a longtime leader of Hickory Methodist Church, where she brought delicious home-cooked dishes to suppers and homemade sweet treats to Sunday School. She also provided these same delicacies to the annual Thanksgiving and Christmas baskets the church distributed to the community.

Outside the church, Sandra served many organizations, always lending a hand and never seeking the spotlight. At Newton County Academy, she sold concessions many a night at ballgames while cheering on Rex in his athletic endeavors. As a member of the Newton County Historical and Genealogical Society, she transcribed newspapers, managed book sales, and worked at the archives. The Hickory Chamber of Commerce presented her with an award for Outstanding Service to the People of Hickory in 2002. She managed Hickory Cemetery and Spring Hill Church Cemetery, keeping the burial grounds organized and clean.

Sandra’s most significant contributions to the world, however, were through her individual acts of kindness. She cared for many infirm family members and friends in their times of need, whether it was staying with them for extended periods, sitting with them for a spell, or sharing a tasty home-cooked meal. She rescued numerous stray animals, saying that “they didn’t ask to be born;” for the ones she couldn’t save, she crocheted little afghans and contributed them to humane societies. Every year, she cooked over forty Christmas fruitcakes and sent them all over the country to friends and family.

Sandra will be missed as a person who lived her faith by using her talents to make the world a kinder, happier place.

Donations in Sandra’s memory can be made to The Town of Hickory Cemetery, P.O. Box 244, Hickory, MS 39332.

Private family graveside services were held on Wednesday, January 14, 2026 at the Town of Hickory Cemetery.

An online guestbook may be viewed and signed at www,newtoncountyfuneralhome.com

01/05/2026

Robert L. "Bobby" Butler, 83 of Hickory, passed away Sunday, January 4, 2026 in Meridian, Mississippi.

He was born Saturday, August 29, 1942 in Lauderdale County, Mississippi.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, January 6, 2026 from 10:00 AM until 12:00 PM at Newton County Funeral Home - South, 100 Old Hwy. 15 Loop, Newton, with funeral services immediately following at the same location. Burial will follow in Sand Springs Baptist Church Cemetery in Hickory. Dr. Randy Rich will officiate.

Bobby was a devoted member and deacon at Hickory Baptist Church, where his strong Christian Faith guided his life. He was known for standing firmly on his convictions while always treating others with kindness, respect, and had a genuine love for his Hickory Baptist Church Family.

Bobby devoted his life to farming and understood the value of hard work and commitment. As a lifelong cattle farmer, he poured his time and energy into the land and cattle he loved. Working alongside his wife was one of his greatest blessings, and together built a life rooted in faith, family, and honest work.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Bro. William Everett and Etta Launa Wedgeworth Butler and two brothers, James Butler and Clarence Butler.

Survivors include his loving wife of 58 years, Frances Butler of Hickory; son, Mike (Karla) Butler of Hickory; three grandchildren, Alex (Hunter) Williams, Jayden Butler and Karmyn Rivers Butler; two brothers, Billy Butler and Randy (Darlene) Butler, both of Union; a host of nieces, nephews, and other extended family.

Pallbearers will be Bill Brand, Sidney Cook, Lucas Little, Lowery McGee, Justin Mills, and Wyatt Tullos.

Honorary pallbearers will be Mack Fanning, Tommy Coghlan, Gerald Goodin, Robert Luke, Troy Brand, Jimmy Coker, and Davis Bond.

An online guestbook may be signed at www.newtoncountyfuneralhome.com

01/01/2026

A new year often brings a mix of reflection and hope. To the families we’ve served this past year: you remain in our thoughts. May 2026 bring you the comfort and strength you deserve. Happy New Year from our family to yours.

12/31/2025

James “Dudley” Hamm, age 81 of Hickory, passed away Tuesday, December 30, 2025 at his residence. He was born Wednesday, June 7, 1944 in Lake, Mississippi.

Visitation will be held on Friday, January 2, 2026 from 5:00 pm until 7:00 pm at Newton County Funeral Home - South, 100 Old Highway 15 Loop, Newton.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, January 3, 2026 at 11:00 am at Newton County Funeral Home - South Chapel. Burial will follow in Meehan Cemetery under the direction of Newton County Funeral Home.

Bro. William Savell will officiate.

Mr. Hamm was a native of Scott County and educated in the Lake School System. He was a retired road foreman for Lauderdale County. Favorite past times were rabbit hunting and getting together with his friends at the Chunky River on the weekends. He enjoyed spending time with his family.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Grace Wilkerson Hamm; his parents, John and Ruby Hamm and three brothers, Ernest Hamm, infant Jesse Hamm and infant Doyle Hamm.

Survivors include his daughters, Michelle Hamm of Meridian and Renee Hamm of Brandon; two brothers, David Hamm (Betty) of Jackson and Jerry Hamm (Linda) of Union; two sisters, Liz Butts (Dub) of Union and Jane Hamm of Union; one sister-in-law, Deborah Hamm of Union; numerous nieces and nephews also survive.

Pallbearers will be Justice Smith, Jordan Smith, Steve Smith, Sam Gressett, Dickie Alsup, and Chris Freeman.

Newton County Funeral Home - South is in charge of arrangements.

An online guestbook may be signed at www.newtoncountyfuneralhome.com

12/26/2025

Jerry Lee Cooley, age 77, passed away leaving behind a legacy of service, hard work, and deep devotion to his family.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, December 27, 2025 from 10:00 am until 10:55 am at Providence Missionary Baptist Church, 13091 Suqualena Rd., Chunky. Funeral services will begin at 11:00 am at the same location, with burial to follow in Providence Church Cemetery under the direction of Newton County Funeral Home.

Jerry proudly served his country in the United States Marine Corps, including service during the Vietnam War. Following his military service, he dedicated his professional life to a long and respected career in Forestry, a field that reflected his strong work ethic and appreciation for the outdoors. He was a member of Providence Missionary Baptist Church, and the Masonic Order, affiliated with Mellon Lodge at Chunky, and the Hamasa Shriners.

Jerry was a devoted husband to his loving wife, Dorcas Cooley, with whom he shared 53 years of marriage. Together they built a strong family rooted in faith, love, and commitment.

He is survived by his wife, Dorcas Cooley; his sons, Aaron Cooley (Jessica) and Andrew Cooley (Christy); his grandsons, Jacob Cooley (Kimberly), Mason Cooley, Wesley Cooley, and Lyndon Cooley; and his great-grandchildren, Rydge, Bonner, Lennon Mae, and Lawton James. He is also survived by his sisters, Barbara Brown and Virginia Rigdon (Donald); numerous nieces and nephews also survive.

Jerry was preceded in death by his parents, Abe and Beadie Cooley; his sisters, Imogene Hamner and Dorothy Freeman, and his brothers-in-law, Ray Freeman and Henry Brown.

Pallbearers will be Aaron Cooley, Andrew Cooley, Jacob Cooley, Mason Cooley, Wesley Cooley, and Lyndon Cooley.

In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully requests that memorial donations be made to the Providence Missionary Baptist Church Building Fund.

An online guestbook may be viewed and signed at www.newtoncountyfuneralhome.com

12/25/2025

Wishing everyone in our community a very Merry Christmas. From our family to yours—have a blessed and peaceful day.

11/27/2025

From our family to yours, we wish you a peaceful Thanksgiving filled with warmth and good company. Today, we reflect on how grateful we are for the trust this community places in us. May your day be full of cherished memories.

Happy Thanksgiving! 🍂🧡

11/25/2025

Bessie Matilda "Tillie" Stewart, age 81, passed away Saturday, November 22, 2025 at Bedford Care Center of Newton.

Funeral services will begin at 2:00 pm, Tuesday, November 25, 2025 at Hopewell Community Church, 2852 CR 20, Rose Hill, MS 39356. Burial will follow in Hopewell Methodist Cemetery on the church grounds.

Tillie was born in Rose Hill, in 1944 to John and Aurelia McCormick. She attended school in Hickory and then in Bay Springs, graduating in 1962. She lived in Clarke County for many years, and most recently lived in Newton, and was a member of Newton Methodist Church.

Tillie spent most of her adult life as a business owner, operating businesses in Newton, Quitman, Shubuta, and Bay Springs. She was a hard worker and a savvy businesswoman. She was well-loved by her customers, who always had kind words about her.

Tillie was a great cook and loved to gather her family for a meal, followed by hours of stories and conversation. She had a knack for growing things and always had a variety of plants and flowers throughout the yard and house. She also had a talent for putting people at ease and always had a smile and kind words for everyone. She loved to laugh and took delight in small things. She always loved music and was still singing to her nurses during her last days.

She was preceded in death by her husbands, Sammy Pugh and Luther Stewart; her parents and one brother, Johnny McCormick.

Survivors include her two sons, Jeff Pugh (Karen) of Newton and Jim Stewart (Amanda) of Rayville, LA; two step-daughters, Billie Melton of Byhalia and Brenda Bond (Phillip) of Baxterville; three sisters, Martha Ann Ballard, Judy Lynn Rowell (Mitchell) and Aurelia Pearl Alexander (Mike) all of Rose Hill; one grandchild, Audrey Pugh; five step grandchildren, Justin Martin, Kristi Martin, Chris Melton, Teresa Davis and Amanda Blackburn; several nieces and nephews also survive.

Pallbearers will be family and friends.

Amanda Blackburn will sing special music.

The family would like to acknowledge and thank the staff of both Beehive Homes and Bedford Care in Newton for the kindness and care shown to Tillie during her time with them.

Newton County Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

An online guestbook may be signed at www.newtoncountyfuneralhome.com