Newton County Funeral Home

03/16/2026

Arthur Randell “Randy” Davis, 65, of Lawrence, Mississippi, passed away peacefully at his home on March 15, 2026, after a courageous five-month battle with cancer, surrounded by his loving children.

Randy was born on October 29, 1960, in Philadelphia, Mississippi, to Bob and Nita Davis. He grew up in Philadelphia, where he developed a love for sports, playing baseball, football and basketball for Philadelphia High School.

A man who truly appreciated the outdoors, Randy found joy in hunting, fishing, riding four-wheelers, gardening, and simply sitting outside soaking in the fresh air and sunshine. He lived a life grounded in hard work and craftsmanship. A skilled carpenter by trade, it was often said that anything built by Randy could withstand the test of time. In his later years, he worked as a supervisor at Garvin’s in Newton, where he was known for his friendly smile and willingness to help others.

Randy shared 27 years of marriage with the love of his life, Arlene Mayes Davis, until her passing in 2008. Together, they began their life in Ponchatoula, Louisiana, before returning home to Lawrence, where they raised their two children.

Randy professed his faith in Jesus Christ, and his family takes great comfort in knowing that he is now in the presence of his Savior. As scripture reminds us, “to be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord.”

He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

Randy is survived by his daughter, Krystal Strait (Ryan) of Hickory; his son, Ben Davis of Lawrence; and his two beloved grandchildren, Keegan Strait and Swayze Strait. He is also survived by his father, Bob Davis of Newton; his brothers, Aubry Davis of Madden and Rick Davis of Ponchatoula; along with numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Arlene Mayes Davis; his mother, Juanita Davis May; his brother, Robert Davis; and his stepmother, Vertice Davis.

Services will be held on Thursday, March 19, 2026, at Ebenezer Baptist Church in Newton, Mississippi. Visitation will be from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., with the service to follow at 12:00 p.m. Burial will take place at Ebenezer Baptist Church Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be Ben Davis, Philip Heidelberg, Ryan Strait, Keegan Strait, Freddie Gentry, Tim Gentry, and Bryan Smiley.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to everyone for their prayers, love, and visits over the past five months. A special thank you is given to the staff of AccentCare Home Health, especially his nurse, Karley, who went above and beyond in his care.

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.

03/03/2026

Mrs. Mary Humphreys Everett, age 91, of Decatur, Mississippi, passed away Sunday, March 01, 2026. She was born Monday, December 10, 1934 at Lawrence, Mississippi.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, March 4, 2026 from 9:30 am – 10:30 am at Newton County Funeral Home North, 9998 Hwy. 15 N., Newton with services immediately following at the same location with burial to follow at New Hope Cemetery under the direction of Newton County Funeral Home.

Bro. William Savell will officiate.

Mrs. Everett was a native of Newton County. She was a woman of many talents, a seamstress, making wedding dresses and gowns for balls. She was a librarian at South Brookley Elementary School in Mobile and at the Decatur Public Library, where she shared her love of reading. At the decline of the health of her husband, she became a home health aid with the Newton County Health Department. She was also an employee at Peavy Electronics in Decatur, where she took advantage of the opportunity to further her education at the age of 52, and received her associates degree in electronics. Mrs. Everett was the first female electrical instructor for East Central Community College. The Everetts were one of the founding families of Newton County Academy and have been supporters there for 55 years. She loved the Lord and instilled those values in her family, raising them at Mt. Zion Congregational Methodist Church. She loved her family beyond words, raising generations of her family, especially enjoyed being a Meme to her grands. Her presence will be greatly missed on this Earth but the family takes great comfort in knowing there will be a reunion one day.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 44 years, John B. Everett; her parents, James L. “Sonny Boy” and Melba Loper Humphreys; one brother, Benny Lamar Humphreys and one sister, Barbara Haralson.

Survivors include her four children, Catherine Bardin (Joe) of Bolton, Freida Smith (Jospeh Mack) of Union, John B. Everett, Jr. (Donna) of Decatur and Brenda Stamper (James) of Newton; ten grandchildren, Kathea Bryan (David), Jody Smith (Aggie), Kimberly Horne (Shane Jenkins), Karen Jones (Wayne “Tater”), Katelyn Matthews (Jeffrey), Jessica Schaub (Thomas), John Michael Everett, Grace Everett, Jamie Stamper, and Karlie Stamper; seven great-grandchildren: Abigail Horne, Emma Smith, Conner Bryan, Alex Horne, Olivia Smith, Harper Smith, and Willa Jones; three brothers, Thomas Humphreys (Sylvia) of Newton; Jimmy Dale Humphreys (Voncille) of Moselle and Jerry Humphreys (Betty Jo) of Lawrence; a host of nieces and nephews survive.

Pallbearers will be John Michael Everett, Alex Horne, Jody Smith, Conner Bryan, Jeff Matthews, and Thomas Schaub.

Honorary Pallbearers will be Wayne “Tater” Jones, David Bryan, and Shane Jenkins.

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

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

02/28/2026

Mary Patricia, “Tricia” McGehee, 84, of Newton, passed away peacefully Thursday, February 26, 2026, at her residence in Newton, Mississippi. She was born on Tuesday, December 16, 1941, in Jackson, Mississippi.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, March 3, 2026, from 6:00 PM until 8:00 PM at Newton County Funeral Home - South, 100 Old Highway 15 Loop, Newton, MS. Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, March 4, 2026, at 2:00 PM, at the same location with the committal service to follow in Newton County Memorial Gardens in Newton, Mississippi. Brother Marvin Wilson will officiate.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Everarde Bernard and Imogene Kilgore McGehee; as well as her brother, Donald McGehee. Survivors include her adoptive family, Betty Gail Skinner, and Mary Collins, her adopted granddaughters, Kayla Ostler, Rose Overton, and Alexandria Wilson; her sister, Virginia McGehee Friend, nephew, James “Jim” McGehee, and her niece Cathrine Johnston. “Granny Trish” leaves behind many adopted children, and many third generation. She also leaves behind an untold number of special friends, as well as those that she considered to be her family, such as Steve Diamond, Nikki Williams, and Manuel Perez.

In 1962, Tricia was voted and inducted to the debutante club in the city of Jackson. She graduated from Ole Miss, where she was in the Phi Beta Phi sorority. After graduation from Ole Miss, she attended Millsaps College, preparing for medical school. She later went to the University of North Carolina and earned a Masters degree in microbiology and immunology. She then took a position at University of Texas MD Anderson research lab. After Two Years, she worked at the MS Highway patrol crime lab. She then returned to Ole Miss to work on her PhD in genetics. In 1979, Tricia moved to Hawaii with BG, Mike, and Chad, and she volunteered her time there in the Kewalo Basin Research Dolphin Lab. Tricia was always a dedicated Philanthropist, thinking of those in need before herself.

After returning from Hawaii, Tricia and her business partner, and dear friend of 64 years, Betty Gail, started Hidden Springs Arabians in Newton. Together, breeding and training the horses, they met many monarchs and celebrities because of their pure-bred Arabian horses.

Pallbearers will be Mike Gibbs, C**t Collins, Eden Skinner, J.C. Collins, David Wilson, and John Kirkland.

Honorary pallbearers will be Donald Collins, James McGehee, Tre Collins, Chance Collins, Steve Diamond, and Donnie Collins.

The arrangements have been entrusted to Newton County Funeral Home – South.

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

02/28/2026

Shirley Ann Walker May, age 86, passed away peacefully on February 27, 2026, at Poplar Springs Nursing Home in Meridian, Mississippi.

Visitation will be from 1:00 pm until 1:50 pm on Monday, March 2, 2026, at Newton County Funeral Home North, 9998 Hwy. 15 N., Newton, with funeral services beginning at 2:00 pm in the funeral home chapel. Burial will follow in the Eastern Cemetery in Forest, Mississippi. Bro. Gabe Swann will officiate. Newton County Funeral Home - North is in charge of arrangements.

She was born July 9, 1939, in Forest, Mississippi to Eugene and Ida Walker. She was raised in Forest and carried throughout her life strong values of faith, family and hard work that defined her early years.

Shirley devoted her early career to caring for others as a nurse at Rush Hospital. In addition to her nursing career, she and her husband founded Lazy Acres Christmas Tree Farm in 1980. Through her dedication and vision, Lazy Acres became not only a family business but a place where countless families created cherished memories.

She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother who loved her family deeply. Shirley was a member of Hickory Baptist Church and was a great prayer warrior. Her strong faith in the Lord was the foundation of her life and, and she was a source of strength, encouragement, and love to all who knew her.
She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Harry Raburn May and her parents, Eugene and Ida Bassett Walker.

Survivors include her son, Michael May; daughter-in-law, Cathryn May; her daughter, Pamela May; her brother, William Lee Walker; her granddaughters, Mikayla Chaney, and Katelyn Massey; and her great granddaughter, Rynna Jane Carey; several nieces and nephews also survive.

Shirley's legacy lives on in the family that she loved, the lives that she touched through nursing, and the enduring tradition she helped create at Lazy Acres Christmas Tree Farm. She will be remembered for her unwavering faith, her loving heart, and her lifelong devotion to her family and to her Lord.

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

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

02/24/2026

Roger Wayne Maske, age 82, and a longtime resident of Newton passed away Tuesday, February 24, 2026.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, February 27, 2026 at 11:00 am at Newton County Funeral Home - North. Burial will follow in Newton County Memorial Gardens under the direction of Newton County Funeral Home.

There will be no visitation.

Bro. William Savell will officiate.

Mr. Maske was born Thursday, September 30, 1943 in Bay Springs. He was a retired employee of La-Z-Boy South for over fifty years. He was a member of Newton Methodist Church.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 58 years, Emily Kay Dillon Maske; one daughter, Michele Locklear; parents, Gordon Alexander and Carrie Louise Gaines Maske and two brothers, J.E. "Gene" Maske (Bobbie) and Charles Gordon Maske (Elizabeth).

Survivors include one son, Michael Maske (Michelle) of Newton; three grandchildren, Daniel Locklear (Brandie Allen) and Derek Locklear, both of Newton, and Savanna Maske (Dallas Stewart) of Mize; one great grandchild, Logan Locklear and one son-in-law, Danny Locklear; several nieces and nephews also survive.

Pallbearers will be Ricky Maske, Bo Maske, Rocky Godwin, Robbie Strickland, Daniel Locklear and Michael Drigger.

Honorary pallbearers will be Derek Locklear, Steve Maske, and Robert Strickland.

Newton County Funeral Home - North, 9998 Hwy. 15 N./Eastside Dr. Ext.,Newton, is in charge of arrangements.

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

02/13/2026

Richard Dwayne McGilvary, age 77, a current resident of the of the Martha Jo Leslie Veterans Home at Kosciusko, formally of Chunky, passed away Tuesday, February 10, 2026. He was born Friday, March 12, 1948, in Gainesville, Texas.

Visitation will be held on Monday, February 16, 2026, from 5:00pm until 7:00pm, at Newton County Funeral Home – South, 100 Old Hwy. 15 Loop, Newton.

Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, at 10:00am, at the same location with the committal service to follow at the Mississippi Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Newton, Mississippi.

Bro. Thomas Laird will officiate.

Mr. McGilvary proudly served in the United States Navy where he retired after 20 years of service. Later in life, Mr. McGilvary worked in various occupations, including Nelson Hall Chevrolet in Meridian with his wife, Barbara and at East Mississippi Correctional Facility in Lauderdale County, Mississippi. He enjoyed taking his grandchildren on hunting and fishing trips. His family will remember him for his military service, his bravery, his storytelling, and his strength.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Barbara McGilvary; his daughter, Bridgett McGilvary; and his parents, Edgar Murray and Hazel Cantrell McGilvary.

Those left to cherish his memory include his children, Chris McGilvary, and Beverly Riffle; his brother, Lee McGilvary; his grandchildren, Elizabeth Lynch, Phillip Clements, Jennifer Alcala, Teresa Peterson, Skylar McGilvary, and Christopher Richard McGilvary Jr.; 15 great–grandchildren and a close friend, Gary Fisher.

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

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