Newton County Funeral Home

03/30/2026

MRS. NANCY BRAND

FUNERAL SERVICE:
2:00 P.M. Tuesday, April 07, 2026

First Baptist Church, 307 East Church St., Newton, MS

VISITATION:
1:00 P.M. - 1:55 P.M., Tuesday, April 07, 2026

First Baptist Church, 307 East Church St., Newton, MS

BURIAL:
Newton Masonic Cemetery

Nancy Ponder Brand died peacefully on March 28, 2026. She joyfully entered the loving arms of her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, who was the centerpiece of her life. Her deep faith and trust in Jesus defined her days and touched everyone she knew.

A service to celebrate her life will be held Tuesday, April 7, at 2:00 p.m. at First Baptist Church of Newton, Mississippi, with visitation at 1:00 p.m. at the church. Interment will follow at the Newton Masonic Cemetery.

Nancy was born on August 22, 1923, in Yazoo County to Bessie Winstead Ponder and John Lewis Ponder II. Her birth took place at her maternal Grandparent’s home, because Nancy’s Mother was playing the piano at the local revival service and simply did not have time to get to the hospital!

Nancy was preceded in death by her precious son, Thomas Dent Brand Jr. (Tommy), who was a student at MSU when he was killed in a car accident at the age of 18. She was also preceded in death by her beloved husband of 66 years, Thomas Dent Brand; her parents; her brother, John Lewis Ponder III; and her sister, Mary Ann Covington.

Nancy graduated from high school in Brinkley, Arkansas, where her father was Superintendent of Schools, and from her beloved MSCW, where she was a junior usher, a member of the Drill and Dance team, and served on Student Government. After an early college graduation with a degree in Home Economics, she taught for a year in Macon, MS before she was hired as a government food inspector in Indiana, Illinois, and Ohio. The primary focus for inspectors was ensuring the safety of food for troops overseas and managing civilian food supplies to meet wartime requirements.
Nancy’s next teaching job was in Hollandale, MS. While there she met Tom and they married on June 22, 1947, then made their home in Newton. They were longtime members of First Baptist Church, where they both sang in the choir. Nancy served the congregation in many capacities, from Sunday School teacher to serving as the interim music director, once for a three-year period. She was blessed with a beautiful voice and was an accomplished pianist. She used her gifts to glorify God by ministering to others.

In 1953, when Tommy was in kindergarten, Nancy began her long tenure as a teacher at Newton Public schools. She first taught Home Economics. After earning her master’s degree at USM she also served as Guidance Counselor, Drug Education Specialist, and Choral Music teacher. Her choral music students, choir and chorus won numerous awards across the state. As Senior Class Advisor, she began directing ambitious plays and musicals that were very advanced for high school students. Some of the most well-known were The Sound of Music, The Music Man, and Carousel.

Some of the happiest times of her life were the years she spent teaching at Newton High School. Throughout the years, her students held a special place in her heart. Many of those students still speak of her excellence as a teacher and as a trusted friend who could be counted on for wisdom, direction, and spiritual guidance. Her love and kindness made a lasting impact on every life she touched. After her longtime career as a music and theatre director at Newton Schools, she retired from formal education. Included in her many honors was being named Woman of Achievement in 1970 by the Business and Professional Women’s Club, Woman of the Year in 1985 by the Newton Chamber of Commerce and on March 23, 2007, Nancy was presented a Lifetime Achievement Award by the Mississippi Alliance for Arts Education in recognition of outstanding leadership, commitment and dedication to arts education in the community.

Nancy began another new career as Executive Director of the Newton Chamber of Commerce, becoming one of the first to serve in that capacity. She served in that position for 11 years. On August 29, 1990, she helped launch the Roxy Theatre Company. As one of the founding members, Nancy served as the first president of the Roxy Theatre Board and at her retirement was granted a lifetime membership and named Artistic Director Emerita. She directed or acted in many of the productions. In 2012, the Newton Theatre Company added an elegant outdoor space right next to the Roxy. With brick columns, wrought-iron fencing, and a fountain, it was dedicated as the Nancy Brand Courtyard to honor her on her 90th birthday.

At the ripe old age of 100, Nancy was once again beginning a new endeavor that would enhance the lives of many. Because of her deep love for singing hymns, she and Mr. Earl Beck began the “Orchard Hymn Sing,” where the residents meet three nights a week just to sing favorite hymns together. Her last time singing with all her dear friends was February 16th. What a beautiful, abundant, long life the Lord blessed her with.

She is survived by her daughter, Teresa McClain, and Teresa’s son, Nathan Daniel Jacobs, both of Newton; Her nieces and nephews, whom Nancy loved like her children: Eleanor C. Ray, Charleston, MS; Carolyn C. Loftin, Ridgeland, MS; and Kay Brand Farmer (Newton) Houston, TX; John Ponder (Susan); Mike Ponder, Lewisville, TX; Sam Ponder (Candy) San Antonia, TX; Walter James Brand Sr. (Anna), Flowood, MS; Jack Williams Brand Jr. (Sallie), Magnolia Springs, AL. Also surviving are a multitude of great-nieces, great-nephews, great-great-nieces, and great-great-nephews, and her faithful cousin and musical sidekick, Jeff Hardy, Newton, MS.

We thank, with sincere gratitude and appreciation, the staff at The Orchard and The Arbor for the loving care she received during her years as a resident, as well as Arden Hospice.

Memorials may be made to the music ministry at First Baptist Church, P.O. Box 87, Newton, MS 39345.

Newton County Funeral Home - South, 100 Old Hwy. 15 Loop, Newton, is in charge of arrangements.

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

03/23/2026

Alan Norman Trotter, age 73, and a longtime resident of Morganton, North Carolina, and resident of Newton County since 2010, passed away Saturday, March 21, 2026 under the professional care and supervision of Hilltop Manor Nursing Home at Union, where he had been a rehab patient, following surgery.

He was a 1970 graduate of Newton High School, and furthered his education at Mississippi State University and the University of Southern Mississippi, where he obtained his Master's degree in speech pathology. His career as a speech pathologist serving schools, hospitals, and nursing homes, in North Carolina, spanned over thirty years. He was Christian by testimony of his faith, affiliated with the Southern Baptist denomination. He was an avid turkey hunter, and a longtime member of the Wild Turkey Federation, and also enjoyed fishing and outdoor activities. Alan had a great sense of humor, was a good husband and brother. He will be remembered fondly, having shared a close bond with longtime local friends.

Preceding him in death, are his wife, Jackie Trotter, his parents, Herman and Frances Poole Trotter, and one brother, Larry Trotter.

Alan is survived by his brother, Steve Trotter (Janet) of Madison; nieces and nephews, Jordan Trotter Williams (Wes), Marion Trotter Sharp (Tyler), Andrew Trotter, and Daniel Trotter (Becca); several great nieces and great nephews.

A family led private memorial service will be held at a later date.

The family suggests that memorial donations be made to Samaritan's Purse, P.O. Box 3000, Boone, NC 28607, the Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758516, Topeka, Kansas 66675-8516 or the charity of choice.

Newton County Funeral Home – North, 9998 Hwy. 15 N, Newton, served the Trotter family.

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

03/23/2026

Mr. Jennings Bryan Vance, 98, of Newton, passed away on Saturday, March 21, 2026, at his home. He was a lifelong resident of Newton County.

Visitation will be held Friday, March 27, 2026, at Pine Bluff Baptist Church from 10:00 am – 11:30 am, with the funeral following at 11:30 am in the church sanctuary. Bro. Jackie Strebeck and Bro. Lin Chesney will officiate. Burial will take place in the Pine Bluff Cemetery under the direction of Newton County Funeral Home.

Bryan served as a deacon and Sunday School teacher for many years at Pine Bluff Baptist Church. He is remembered by many in the community for his work at White’s Hardware Store, and later at Hailey’s Hardware Store. After his retirement from Hailey’s Hardware, he and his wife enjoyed traveling with friends and he was an avid gardener. He was dearly loved and will be greatly missed by his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, as well as by many friends and other extended family.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 74 years, Mary Helen Valentine Vance; his parents, Luther Vance and Velma Vance Gill; his stepfather, Rufus Gill; his sister, Evelyn Vance Smith; his brother, Durward Vance and his grandson, Ken Richardson.

Survivors include his four children, Dianne Richardson (Hubert), Elizabeth Vance, Debbie Vance, and Bill Vance (Vicki); three grandchildren; ten great-grandchildren and two great-great grandchildren.

Pallbearers will be Tim Richardson, Chris Vance, Mickey Vance, Jerry Smith, Charles Godwin, and Tony Valentine.

Honorary pallbearers will be his granddaughter, his great-grandchildren, and his great-great grandchildren.

The family would like to thank Gentiva Hospice for the care they gave our loved one during his illness.

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

Newton County Funeral Home – South, 100 Old Hwy. 15 Loop, Newton, is in charge of the arrangements.

03/20/2026

Laura "Sissy" DuBose, age 73, and a current resident of Chunky, and a longtime resident of Meehan, passed away Wednesday, March 18, 2026 at the University of Mississippi Medical Center of Jackson.

Graveside services will begin at 11:30 am, on Saturday, March 21, 2026 at the Meehan Cemetery under the direction of Newton County Funeral Home. Serving as pallbearers will be Benny Bozeman, Jamey Boland, Dickie Alsup, Nick Alsup, Tim Reynolds, Sam Gressett, and Stevie Smith.

She was raised in Meehan. Sissy was educated in the Clarkdale School system, and served as a waitress in the restaurant industry. Most recently, she worked at the Queen City Truck Stop in Meridian, where she made many friends and served the patrons well. She enjoyed the outdoors. She loved her family very much and will be missed.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Albert Smith and Laudie Elaine NeSmith, her step-father, Clyde NeSmith, and two great-grandsons, Gabrielle and Noah. One brother, Albert Smith, Jr., also precedes her in death, as well as one niece, Courtney Lynn Smith.

Survivors include her husband, Ronnie DuBose; one daughter, Risha Bozeman; three granddaughters, Kayla Bozeman, Logan (Jamey) Boland, and Leyanne Bozeman; eight great-grandchildren, Baylee, Elainna, Raylin, Brandon, Jr., Maverick, Holland, Kody, and Kasen; two brothers, Billy Earl Smith and Stevie (Debbie) Smith; one niece and several cousins also survive.

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

03/20/2026

Please visit the following link to view the Life Tributes video for Randy Davis.

https://videos.lifetributes.com/1390470

Services for Arthur Randell Davis were held on Thursday, March 19, 2026, at Ebenezer Baptist Church in Newton, Mississippi.

Visitation was from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., and the celebration of life service followed at 12:00 p.m. Burial was in the Ebenezer Baptist Church Cemetery under the direction of Newton County Funeral Home.

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.

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

The family extends 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 www.newtoncountyfuneralhome.com

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