http://www.newtoncountyfuneralhome.com/

Newton County Funeral Home, 9998 Eastside Drive Ext. (Hwy 15 N) & 100 Old Hwy 15 Loop, Newton, MS (2025)

10/26/2025

Billie Marie Craven, 93, passed away peacefully on October 22, 2025, at The Preserve in Meridian.

Services will be held on Monday, October 27, at 1 pm at Newton United Methodist Church, with burial at Masonic Cemetery in Newton, MS. Visitation begins one hour prior. Rev. John Cash will officiate. Newton County Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

A lifelong resident of Newton, Billie was known for her faith, strength, and generosity. She graduated from Newton High School and married Harley Craven, her partner for 64 years. Together, they built a true homestead—raising cattle, planting trees, and living self-sufficiently long before it was popular. She was "Nana" to her three grandchildren and adored that role.

Billie's home was always open. She hosted church picnics, flew kites with her grandchildren, and made summer visits memorable with TV dinners and stacks of VHS tapes. Her family remembers eating watermelon with salt at her picnic table, the dogs enjoying ice cream from a spoon, her perfectly timed M&M cookies arriving by mail, and her homemade rolls served with Pops’ fresh honey. She was an expert seamstress and delighted in making Halloween costumes for her grandchildren.

Billie was also a devoted member of Newton United Methodist Church, always ready to help and listen. She loved her garden, a good book, and peaceful mornings on the porch. Above all, she cherished her family and the simple joys of life.

Billie was preceded in death by her husband, Harley Craven; parents, Walter and Josie Fore; daughter, June Marie; sons, C.W. Craven and Billy Joe Craven; and sister-in-law, Ina Pearl McEvers.

Survivors include her grandchildren, Elizabeth Mardesen, William Craven, and Wyatt Craven; great-grandchildren, Cullen Mardesen, Meredith Mardesen, Caroline Craven, and Eliza Craven; daughter-in-law, Julie Martin; and many nieces and nephews.

Pallbearers will be David Haggard, Nate Wood, Chubb Brown, Jerry Craven, Will Craven, and Wyatt Craven.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Newton United Methodist Church or a local charity of your choice.

Billie’s legacy is one of love, faith, and lasting impact on all who knew her.

10/21/2025

Bruce Allen Cater, 70 of Decatur, Mississippi passed away Sunday October 19, 2025 at the MS Baptist Medical Center in Jackson, Mississippi. He was born Friday July 8, 1955 in Union, Mississippi.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, October 21, 2025 from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at Newton County Funeral Home-North, and on Wednesday, October 22, 2025 from 11:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. at Clarke-Venable Baptist Church in Decatur, Mississippi. Funeral services will be held on Wednesday October 22, 2025 at 1:00 p.m. at the church. Burial will follow in Decatur Cemetery. Rev. Ben Harper, Rev. Junior Davis, and Rev. Phil Smith will officiate. Newton County Funeral Home-North is in charge of arrangements.

Mr. Cater was preceded in death by his father, James L. Cater; mother, Annie Kate Eshee Cater and brother, Jimmy Cater.

Survivors include his wife of 50 years, Glenda McElhenney Cater of Decatur, MS; sons, Neil Cater of Decatur, MS and Nathan Cater (Emily) of Newton, MS; daughter Nicole Ferguson (Richard) of Pelehatchie, MS; sister, Jan Cater McNeill of Decatur MS; grandchildren, Sam Cater, Nolan Cater, Maddex Ferguson, Hallie Ezell, Addilyn Kate Tucker, Kyleigh Cater, Mack Henry Ferguson, Annie James Cater, Sloan Tucker, and Madilyn Cater; nephews, Jeff Cater of Union, Todd Reeves (Brandi) of Decatur, and Philip Smith of Meridian; nieces, Crystal Fadely (Chris) of Clarksville, TN, and Shana Boatner of Decatur; sister in law, Rhonda Smith (Mike) of Union.

Pallbearers are Johnny Baucum, Bobby Carey, Brent Chamblee, Randy Wall, Joe Way, and Marquez Williams.

Honorary Pallbearers will be Jackie Rainer, Ralph Thomas, and Randy Weaver.

Special music will be provided by Billy Williams.

Mr. Cater, a former Decatur Mayor and business owner, was a lifelong resident of Decatur, MS. He graduated from Decatur High School in 1973, and received an AA degree in Business Administration from East Central Junior College in 1975. Mr. Cater was a Christian by faith. He was a lifelong member of Clarke-Venable Baptist Church in Decatur where he served on various committees and as a deacon. He was a dedicated and faithful husband to his wife Glenda for over 50 years. Together they raised three children, instilling Christian faith and a strong work ethic.

Early on Bruce developed an interest in mechanics and began working with a local Ford tractor dealership, before opening his own service station selling gasoline and performing vehicle repair. Later, he opened a business, “Bruce’s Auto Center” before becoming service manager at the GM dealership in Newton.

He began his career in the freight trucking business working part-time with Roadway Express in Meridian on the evening shift. Subsequently, he accepted a position as an auto mechanics instructor at ECJC.

He later returned to the freight industry working with ABF Freight System as a driver/salesman in Meridian where he worked for 16 years, before returning to Roadway and retiring in 2005 with 25 full time years as a member of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters.

Mr. Cater had multiple business ventures. In 1989, he formed a storage trailer rental company and constructed a new freight terminal which he leased to other companies. Later, he owned a long-haul trucking company and a shipping pallet business. In 1997, he and his two sons started a timber company and after his retirement, an automobile dealership in Decatur.

Mr. Cater served as mayor of Decatur from 2005-2009. He also served as a board member of North Decatur Water Association. He worked at Central Mississippi Residential Center in Newton, as well as in timber and dirt business with his sons until his semi-retirement from his individual businesses, while still leasing residential properties.

He was a selfless, hardworking, intelligent family and business man. He never met a stranger, and he always had a smile and a comment for everyone. He loved spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren. He enjoyed traveling all over the United States, as well as Costa Rica and Mexico. He will be greatly missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing him.

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

10/20/2025

Services celebrating the life of Jonathan Mark Thorne will begin at 10:30 am on Friday, October 24, 2025, at Newton County Funeral Home South Chapel with Rev. William Savell and Rev. Charles Moore officiating. Burial will follow in the Pleasant Ridge Missionary Baptist Church Cemetery under the direction of Newton County Funeral Home.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, October 23, 2025 from 5:30 pm until 7:30 pm at Newton County Funeral Home - South and on Friday one hour prior to the services at the funeral home.

Jonathan was born October 15, 1979, in Houston, Texas. He was a 1998 graduate of Newton County High School and furthered his education at East Central Community College. Jonathan served on the board, and served as President and Vice President of the Newton Theater Company, and also, most currently Youth Director. Talented in the arts, he served the theater company, in performing casts, and used his artistic ability in making props and set pieces. Jonathan was currently employed at Mathis Transportation Services in Meridian. He passed away October 20, 2025 at his home at the age of 46.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Brenda Robinson Thorne; paternal grandparents, Hancel and Roberta Thorne, maternal grandparents, Tom and Jeanette Robinson and his aunt, Rhonda Robinson Williams.

Survivors include his father, Gary Thorne of Hickory; his brother, David Thorne of Hickory; sister-in-law, Danae Thorne and niece, Katelynn Thorne, both of Picayune; uncles, Ronald Thorne of Euless, TX and Bob Williams of Newton; cousins, Michelle Newell (Mark Cornish)and Jason Williams (Seanna) both of Newton; Anna Maria Thorne of Euless, TX; Bralynn Newell, Molly Beth Williams, Mary Preston Williams and Mattie Williams, all of Newton and his canine companions, Bandit and Franklin; also, he leave behind many friends.

Pallbearers will be Jason Williams, Cody Maske, William Savell, C**t Cleveland, Marty Morgan, and Marshall Van Zjll.

Honorary pallbearers will be Ronald Thorne, Bob Williams and Mark Cornish.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Newton Theater Company, P.O. Box 956, Newton, MS 39345.

Newton County Funeral Home, South Chapel, 100 Old Hwy. 15 Loop, Newton, served the Thorne family.

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

10/20/2025

Services celebrating the life of Jonathan Mark Thorne will begin at 10:30 am on Friday, October 24, 2025, at Newton County Funeral Home South Chapel with Rev. William Savell and Rev. Charles Moore officiating. Burial will follow in the Pleasant Ridge Missionary Baptist Church Cemetery under the direction of Newton County Funeral Home.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, October 23, 2025 from 5:30 pm until 7:30 pm at Newton County Funeral Home - South and on Friday one hour prior to the services at the funeral home.

Jonathan was born October 15, 1979, in Houston, Texas. He was a 1998 graduate of Newton County High School and furthered his education at East Central Community College. Jonathan served on the board, and served as President and Vice President of the Newton Theater Company, and also, most currently Youth Director. Talented in the arts, he served the theater company, in performing casts, and used his artistic ability in making props and set pieces. Jonathan was currently employed at Mathis Transportation Services in Meridian. He passed away October 20, 2025 at his home at the age of 46.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Brenda Robinson Thorne; paternal grandparents, Hancel and Roberta Thorne, maternal grandparents, Tom and Jeanette Robinson and his aunt, Rhonda Robinson Williams.

Survivors include his father, Gary Thorne of Hickory; his brother, David Thorne of Hickory; sister-in-law, Danae Thorne and niece, Katelynn Thorne, both of Picayune; uncles, Ronald Thorne of Euless, TX and Bob Williams of Newton; cousins, Michelle Newell (Mark Cornish)and Jason Williams (Seanna) both of Newton; Anna Maria Thorne of Euless, TX; Bralynn Newell, Molly Beth Williams, Mary Preston Williams and Mattie Williams, all of Newton; his best friend since the 7th grade, William Savell of Union; his canine companions, Bandit and Franklin, and many friends.

Pallbearers will be Jason Williams, Cody Maske, William Savell, C**t Cleveland, Marty Morgan, and Marshall Van Zjll.

Honorary pallbearers will be Ronald Thorne, Bob Williams and Mark Cornish.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations by be made to the Newton Theater Company, P.O. Box 956, Newton, MS 39345.

Newton County Funeral Home, 100 Old Hwy. 15 Loop, Newton served the Thorne family.

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

10/15/2025

Toby L. Sims, 88 of Louin, passed away Tuesday, October 14, 2025 at his residence.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, October 18, 2025 from 1:00 pm until 3:00 pm at Antioch Baptist Church, located at 1611 Hwy 18, Louin, with funeral services immediately following. Burial will follow in Antioch Baptist Church Cemetery. Bro. Dale Townsend will officiate. Colonial Chapel Funeral Home of Bay Springs is in charge of arrangements.

Mr. Sims was born Saturday, January 30, 1937 in Louin. He attended his formative years at Antioch School and graduated from Bay Springs High School. He furthered his education at Jones Junior College for two years, and then transferred to the University of Southern Mississippi, where he obtained a bachelor's degree, which resulted in a 48-year professional career with the Mississippi Department of Health.

Mr. Sims will be remembered for his patriotism, proudly serving his country in Mississippi Army National Guard for 35 years. He served as Chief Artillery for thirteen years and Mess Sargent until retirement.

He was an avid deer hunter and fisherman and influenced many young people to enjoy the outdoors. Mr. Sims is the last founding member of Club 18 Hunting Club.

Mr. Sims loved his family and especially his grandchildren. He was a Christian by faith and a member of Antioch Baptist Church.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 56 years, Jean McKenzie Sims; his parents, Steve Chester, and Lena Shoemaker Sims and twelve siblings.

Survivors include his three sons, Rodney Sims of Bay Springs, Anthony McKenzie Sims of Louin, and Jeffery Sims (Cara) of Bay Springs; four grandchildren, Dr. Haven Bynum (Derek) of Canton, Ryan Sims of Bay Springs, Peyton Asher Sims of Laurel, and Cole Sims of Bay Springs; one great grandchild, Baylor Bynum of Canton; and a host of nieces and nephews.

Pallbearers will be Dean Sims, Kenneth Sims, Jim Sims, Timothy Sims, Danny Kilpatrick, and Walter Phillips.

Honorary pallbearers will be E. A. Garcia and Landon Bullock.

Special music will be provided by Elizabeth Kilpatrick, instrumentalist and Cindy King, soloist.

The family wishes to acknowledge the directors, nurses and staff of Gentiva Hospice, and his personal caretakers, Maria Ratcliff and Susan Bentley Snowden for their professional services.

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

10/06/2025

Private family services will be held at a later date for Keith Morgan Luke.

Mr. Luke was born April 12, 1962. He was a graduate of Calloway High School and received his Bachelors and Master’s degrees in criminal justice from the University of Southern Mississippi. He was a veteran of the United States Navy, serving in the Navy Seabees. He retired from the Office of Inspector General, as a federal agent. He was a member of the Red Hat Deer Club. He was an avid hunter and fisherman who loved his family, and his country. He passed away on October 4, 2025 at the age of 63.

He was preceded in death by his parents, O. M. and Sarah Sisson Luke.

Survivors include his wife, Lori Hudson Luke of Newton; two daughters, Morgan Luke Lyles (John Clay) of Lawrence and Maggie Luke Nance (Nathan) of Ridgeland; one granddaughter, Jacy Lyles, and one grandson on the way; several other extended family members and friends also survive.

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

10/02/2025

Memorial services for Penny Rae Rainer will be held at a later date.

Penny Rae Rumsey Rainer was born Monday, June 23, 1952 in Elmhurst, Illinois to her parents, George and Nine Rumsey. The Rumsey family moved to Natchitoches, Louisiana, relocating to back to Illinois before going back to the New Orleans area, where Penny graduated from Nichols High School. She attended college and then was a stay-at-home mom, raising her three sons, Gerald, Daniel and Brian, relocating to Meridian over fifty years ago. Penny was a former employee of La-Z-Boy South, and loved her family very much. She passed away Wednesday, October 1, 2025 at her residence at the age of 73.

She was preceded in death by her parents, George Gerald and Nina Elizabeth Quinn Rumsey; one grandchild, Dylan Mabry; two nephews, George Yates and Michael McClendon and one son-in-law, Seamus Anderson.

Survivors include her husband, Charles Rainer of Hickory; three sons, Gerald Mabry (Juli) and Daniel Mabry (Stephanie) both of Meridian and Brian Mabry of Collinsville; two step-daughters, Karen Beckham (Joey) of Decatur and Kim Anderson of Clarksville, TN; twelve grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; one great-great grandchild; three sisters, Linda Jamison and Karen Davis, both of Slidell, LA and Sharon McClendon of Bogalusa, LA; numerous nieces and nephews also survive.

Newton County Funeral Home, 9998 Eastside Drive Ext./Hwy 15 N, Newton, served the Rainer family.

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

09/30/2025

Carole Lynn Henry, 87, of Quitman, passed away Monday, September 29, 2025 at McClelland Compassionate Care in Meridian. She was born Thursday, November 4, 1937.

Graveside services will be held on Wednesday, October 1, 2025 at 10:30 am at Newton County Memorial Gardens with Bro. Bob Followell officiating.

She attended Decatur High School, East Central Junior College, and Mississippi State College for Women. She taught schools in Missouri her first years, then moved to Bakersfield, CA at Compton Junior High until she retired. In preparation for her career, Mrs. Henry received numerous honors and accolades. A 1957 graduate of ECJC, Mrs. Henry was a member of college marching band, Phi Theta Kappa, where she served as secretary, and was a cast member of ECJC players. Also, she was a member of Girls Choir Mixed Choir, and college Ensemble. She was the feature editor of the Wo-He-Lo, as a freshman, and served as editor in chief her sophomore year. She was a member of Sigma Tau Sigma and recipient of the Social Science Award, being the first female to receive that award. The college honored her as Alumna of the Year in 2012. Mrs. Henry was a Dean’s List scholar, where she excelled in her studies at Mississippi State College for Women at Columbus. During her teaching career, she served on numerous committees. She was a two-time recipient of The Freedom Foundation Awards at Compton Junior High. She was named Teacher of the Year for the school district, and awarded a National Teacher of the Year Award. Mrs. Henry served as Vice President of the Teacher's Association for two years, and also named Teacher of the Year for the Bakersfield California School District (BCSD), her last year of teaching with over 35 years of service.

Carole moved from Bakersfield to Madison over twenty years ago, after the passing of her late husband. She was an active member of Ridgecrest Baptist Church, where she served on several committees, the Governing Committee in charge of the church daycare program. She loved her church and she loved the Lord. In 2013, she relocated to Quitman, to live with her sister, Jan Pace Hayes, and brother-in-law, Marty.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Paul Henry; father, Joseph Robin Pace; mother, Mary George Gaines Pace; brother, David Robin Pace and step-mother, Jessie Bell Jones Pace.

Survivors include one sister, Jan Pace Hayes (Marty) of Quitman,; two nephews, Jeff Addy (Lisa) and Jake Addy (Brandi) two great nephews, Jacob Addy and Josh Addy (Lyddia Jones); one great niece, Lauren Addy Reeves (Peyton) all of Decatur; three cousins, Gloria Miller, Libby Wynn, and Debi Blum Stamper, all of Georgia; one step-daughter, Marsha Eggman and numerous step-grandchildren also survive, all of the Bakersfield, CA area.

The family wishes to acknowledge with grateful appreciation to
Tawana McClelland at McClelland Compassionate Care Home in Meridian.

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

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

09/29/2025

Did you know that eligible veterans and their families may be entitled to significant funeral and burial benefits? These can include burial in a national cemetery, a grave marker, and military honors. Navigating these benefits can be complex, but we are here to assist veteran families in understanding and applying for the honors they deserve. Thank you for your service.

09/15/2025

Randy Bailey, aged 67, and a lifelong resident of Lake, passed away Friday, September 12, 2025 at St. Dominic Hospital in Jackson.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, September 18, 2025 from 12:00 pm until 2:00 pm at Newton County Funeral Home - South, 100 Old Highway 15 Loop, Newton, with funeral services immediately following at the same location. Burial will follow in Pine Ridge Cemetery under the direction of Newton County Funeral Home.

Bro. Cade Price and Bro. William Savell will officiate.

Ray Anthony Bailey was born on Thanksgiving Day, Thursday, November 28, 1957 in East Chicago, Indiana, to his parents, Ishmeal and Dorothy Dillon Bailey, Jr. who precede him in death. As a young child, Randy's family moved to Lake, Mississippi where he grew up and was a graduate of Lake High School. He was a veteran of the United States Airforce and worked in the construction industry as a general foreman. He was an avid outdoorsman, who especially enjoyed fishing and spending time with his family. Randy will be remembered as a "grill master," and a connoisseur of all types of food. He was a good counselor and an advice giver, as his family always looked up to him. The family rests in hope that he was a Christian by testimony of his faith and will be missed by many.

He was preceded in death by his parents and one sister, Linda McCormick.

Survivors include his wife of 16 years, Wendy McGrew Bailey of Lake; five sons, Tony Bailey (Jennifer) of Conehatta, Austin Tillman and Shane Naquin, both of Lake, and Dwayne Atwood of Newton, and Kadan Atwood of Lake; two daughters, Nikki Tillman (Mario) of Conehatta, and Celeste Bailey of Lake; one brother, Robert Bailey (Fran) of Phoenix, AZ; one sister, Lori Atwood of Newton; seven grandchildren, Damion Bailey, Rayleigh Smith, Kyler Tillman, Joey Renfroe, Ashleigh Ball, Kirsten Perry and Christopher Coda; two great grandchildren, Haze Bailey and Crispin Renfroe; several nieces and nephews also survive.

Pallbearers will be Dwayne Atwood, Austin Tillman, Shane Naquin, Zack Emmons, Stanley Braddock, Damion Bailey, Justice Smith, Joey Renfroe, and Timmy Bailey.

Honorary pallbearers will be Michael Graham, Haze Bailey, Kadan Atwood, Kyler Tillman, Chris Chisolm, Odin Chisolm, Andrew Doss, Mario Acosta, and James McGrew.

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

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

09/15/2025

Did you know that today's funeral services can be deeply personalized to celebrate the unique life of your loved one? From incorporating favorite hobbies, music, or colors to displaying cherished mementos, there are countless ways to create a service that truly reflects their personality and passions. It's about telling their story in a meaningful way.

09/08/2025

Did you know that a eulogy or tribute is a powerful way to honor a loved one's unique life story? It's an opportunity for friends and family to share cherished memories, celebrate accomplishments, and express the profound impact that person had. Our team can offer guidance and resources to help you craft a heartfelt tribute that truly captures their essence.

Newton County Funeral Home

10/26/2025

10/21/2025

10/20/2025

10/20/2025

10/15/2025

10/06/2025

10/02/2025

09/30/2025

09/29/2025

09/15/2025

09/15/2025

09/08/2025

Address

Telephone

Website

Alerts

Contact The Practice

Shortcuts

Share

Category