Baldwin-Lee Funeral Home

Baldwin-Lee Funeral Home Baldwin-Lee Funeral Home provides superior funeral and memorial services to the people of Rankin County and the Greater Jackson area.

We’ve been a leading funeral home in Pearl, Mississippi, since 1929.

George Franklin Walker, 87, of Brandon, Mississippi, formerly of New Orleans, Louisiana, entered the gates of heaven and...
04/19/2026

George Franklin Walker, 87, of Brandon, Mississippi, formerly of New Orleans, Louisiana, entered the gates of heaven and reunited with loved ones on April 17, 2026, surrounded by his loving family.

George was born in Magee, Mississippi, on June 11, 1938, to Mr. Buster Lee Walker and Mrs. Opal Hall Walker. When he turned 18, he moved to New Orleans, Louisiana, and that is where he met his loving wife Ms. Helen Brower who was from Greenwood, Mississippi. They were married on December 23, 1969, and lived in New Orleans until Hurricane Katrina in 2005. They then moved to Brandon, Mississippi.

Mr. Walker spent many years working as a heavy machine operator for the Sewage and Water Board of New Orleans. When he was not working and after retiring, he loved spending time with family, helping his wife with whatever needed to be done, watching western shows, building things for family and friends, and taking care of his lawn. He was an amazing husband, dad, papaw, brother, and uncle. According to his son he was the “Boss”.

Mr. Walker is preceded in death by has parents, son, Kenny Walker; and brother, Joe Don Walker.

Those left to cherish his memory are his loving wife of 64 years, Helen Walker; sons, Daniel Walker (Jami), and Matthew Walker (Lauren); grandchildren, Cory Walker, Kennedy Walker, Danielle Walker, and Alexis Walker; and sisters, Bobbie McKenzie (Kenneth) and Evelyn Higginbotham.

No services are scheduled at this time.

Mary Ruth Crocker, 86, of Flowood, Mississippi, entered the gates of heaven and reunited with loved ones on April 17, 20...
04/19/2026

Mary Ruth Crocker, 86, of Flowood, Mississippi, entered the gates of heaven and reunited with loved ones on April 17, 2026.

Mary was born in Jackson, Mississippi, on April 16, 1940, to Mr. Jocy L. Mahaffey and Mrs. Ruth Barlow Mahaffey. She graduated from Central High School in Jackson in 1958, where she played the saxophone in the high school band. After graduation she continued her studies at the University of Tennessee majoring in dental hygiene. After working in the dental field, she and her husband, Charles owned and operated Southern Orthodontic Lab for many years.

Her love of music continued into adulthood playing piano and organ. Including playing for Harrisville Baptist Church.

She had a lifelong love for animals, starting with Peanut in her childhood. Over the years her children had the joy of growing up with cherished pets.

She was a woman of strong faith, and it showed in her servant’s heart. She always practiced being the hands and feet of Jesus, ever ready to listen. She loved and accepted all who crossed her path. She was a member of Crossgates Baptist Church in Brandon, Mississippi.

She is preceded in death by her parents, loving husband, Charles F. Crocker; son, Charles Kent Crocker; grandson, James Matthew Queen; sisters, Louise Fadden, Edna Breazeale and Jeanette Bridges; and nephew, James Throne.

She is survived by her daughter, Cindy Crocker; special cousin and soul sister, Elizabeth Seaney; one niece, and three nephews.

The family will receive friends from 12:00pm-2:00pm on April 22, 2026, at Baldwin-Lee Funeral Home in Pearl, Mississippi. A memorial service will be held at 2:00pm in the funeral home chapel. Interment will follow at Lakewood Memorial Park in Jackson, Mississippi.

James Cooper Ross, 84, of Richland, Mississippi, entered the gates of heaven and into the arms of our Lord and Savior on...
04/18/2026

James Cooper Ross, 84, of Richland, Mississippi, entered the gates of heaven and into the arms of our Lord and Savior on April 15, 2026.

James was born on October 05, 1941, in Philadelphia, Mississippi, to Mr. Joe M Ross and Mrs. Mary Alice Tucker.

In 1961 he fell in love with Ms. Barbara Price and on December 9, 1967, they were married. James loved family gatherings, camping and traveling with his wife, fishing in his younger years, and loved gardening.

Mr. Ross is preceded in death by his parents, brother, Joe M. Ross Jr; and sister Mary Elizabeth (Betsy) Kirkpatrick .

Those left to cherish his memory are his loving wife of 58 years, Barbara; sisters, Daphne O’Donnell (Steve) and Margaret Lynn Roberson; and a host of nieces, nephews, and other family members.

The family will receive friends from 12:00pm-2:00pm on Monday, April 20, 2026, at Baldwin-Lee Funeral Home in Pearl, Mississippi. A memorial service will follow. Interment will be the same day at Lakewood Memorial Park South in Jackson, MS.

William Junior Blackwell, 85, of Pearl, Mississippi, passed away on Wednesday, April 15, 2026. Bill, as he was known by...
04/17/2026

William Junior Blackwell, 85, of Pearl, Mississippi, passed away on Wednesday, April 15, 2026.

Bill, as he was known by family and friends, was born on November 21, 1940, in Rome, Mississippi to Mr. William Augustus Barney Lee Blackwell and Mrs. Dorothy Wiltshire Blackwell. In 1987, he married the love of his life Ms. Brenda McMichael. Mr. Blackwell also owned and operated Blackwell Lithographers for 35 years.

Bill loved gardening, especially raising tropical plants, art, traveling and sailing.

Mr. Blackwell is preceded in death by his parents.

He is survived by his loving wife of 39 years Brenda Blackwell; sons, Aaron Blackwell and Vance Lamar Blackwell (Mellisa); sister, Florene Palmer (Marshall); and three grandchildren.

The family will receive friends from 12:30pm-1:30pm on Sunday, April 19, 2026, at Baldwin-Lee Funeral home in Pearl, Mississippi. A memorial service will follow at the funeral home at 1:30pm. Interment will be on the same day at Lakeland Place Memorial Park in Brandon, Mississippi.

The family will be live streaming the services on ZOOM for friends and family that cannot make it to the service. The information for the meeting is as follows:

Zoom info:
Meeting ID: 919 5362 7884
Passcode: 160994

Bradley Clifford Fountain passed away on April 19, 2024 surrounded by his loving family and closest friends.He is surviv...
04/15/2026

Bradley Clifford Fountain passed away on April 19, 2024 surrounded by his loving family and closest friends.

He is survived by his devoted wife, Jackye Fountain; son, Steven Barber (Nicole); father, Jeffrey Fountain; sister, Stacey Fountain (Lee Roy); brother, C. Jay Fountain (Heather); aunts, Glenda McKee (Tommy) and Margaret Young; uncle, Sammy Young (Gail); nephew, Oliver Fountain; godchildren, Kandi Collins Agent, Devin Collins, Jazzmine Skye Puckett, and Cheyenne Horton; and a host of extended family, especially his cousin and best friend, David Collins.

He is preceded in death by his mother, Cassandra Young Fountain; mother-in-law, La Verne Bridges; grandparents, Jean and Kenneth Smith, Juanice and Jeff D. Fountain, and Rosser L. Young, Sr.; uncles, Rosser L. Young, Jr., Jerry Young, Terry Young, and Chuck Kopf; aunt, Camelia Young.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Baldwin-Lee Funeral Home in Pearl, MS on Sunday, May 3rd, from 2-5pm. This will be an informal come and go ceremony remembering Bradley’s life.

Fond memories and condolences may be shared with the Fountain family by visiting baldwinleepearl.com.

With hearts full of love and sorrow, we announce the passing of our beloved baby daughter, Ke’laniee Dream Monique Frank...
04/14/2026

With hearts full of love and sorrow, we announce the passing of our beloved baby daughter, Ke’laniee Dream Monique Franks, who was born and called home to heaven on Saturday, April 11, 2026.

Ke’laniee filled our lives with immeasurable love and hope. Her tiny hands and peaceful presence reminded us of the beauty and fragility of life. She will forever be cherished and deeply missed.

Ke’laniee is lovingly remembered by her parents, Erianah Nash and Lakeus Franks; grandparents, Shakita Lee and Lakisha Franks; great-grandparents, Mavis Braggs, Charles Prater, Sharan Franks, and Karen Franks; aunts and uncles, Lanijah Smith-Wells and husband Reggie, Kelis Franks, Keenan Franks, and Keilen Franks. She will remain in our hearts always, carried in every breath, every prayer, and every quiet moment. Our precious baby will always be our light.

“Some people only dream of angels- we held one in our arms.” Love from Mommy, Daddy, and Queen Ma.

Condolences may be shared with Ke’laniee’s family by visiting baldwinleepearl.com.

Mary Aurora D’Angelo Bryant, 91, of Florence, Mississippi, entered the gates of heaven and reunited with loved ones on A...
04/14/2026

Mary Aurora D’Angelo Bryant, 91, of Florence, Mississippi, entered the gates of heaven and reunited with loved ones on April 12, 2026.

Mary was born on November 23, 1934, in Newark, New Jersey, to Mr. John D’Angelo and Mrs. Carmella Caposiena D’Angelo. In 1953 while at a church dance she met the love of her life Mr. Kenneth Lamar “Sonny” Bryant and in 1954 they were married. To this union they were blessed with 3 children, 3 grandchildren, and 1 great-grandchild.

Following their marriage, Mary and Ken settled in Natchez, MS. They were long term members of Assumption Catholic Church, where Mary was involved with women’s ministry. While in Natchez, Mary was employed as an educator with the Adams County Public School System for 24 years. Mary loved people and was passionate about staying involved and affiliated with her community. Mary was intentional about seeking out opportunities to engage with others including serving as an Antebellum hostess during the Natchez Pilgrimage. Following retirement, Mary and Ken moved to Florence, MS, where she became a “Demo Lady” and could be frequently seen in the local Kroger and/or Wal-Mart handing out samples and visiting with shoppers.

Mary loved helping others and it showed in her servant’s heart. She sang in the choir at St. Jude Catholic Church in Pearl, Mississippi, for 25 years. She also volunteered for 10 years at Briar Hill Rest Home prior to becoming a resident there. When she was not helping others, she enjoyed cooking, being a mom, grandmother, and great-grandmother.

Mary is preceded in death by her husband, Kenneth Lamar “Sonny” Bryant, Sr.; parents, Mr. and Mrs. John D’Angelo; and brother, Ralph D’Angelo.

Those left to cherish her memories are sons, Kenneth L. Bryant, Jr., (fiancé Rosie); Carl Bryant (Kim), and daughter, Theresa Odum (Bill); grandchildren, Jennifer McPhail (Adam), Will Bryant, and Mary Beth Odum (fiancé Harrison); and great-grandchild, Declan McPhail.

The family will receive friends from 5:00pm-7:00pm on Tuesday, April 14, 2025, at Baldwin-Lee Funeral Home in Pearl, Mississippi, and then from 10:00am-11:00am on Wednesday, April 15, 2026, at St. Jude Catholic Church in Pearl, Mississippi. A Mass of Christian burial following at 11:00am at the church. Interment will follow at Lakewood Memorial Park on Clinton Blvd in Jackson, Mississippi.

Robert Starr Smith born February 18, 1927; died April 10, 2026Bob Smith was born in Vineland, New Jersey, the third chil...
04/13/2026

Robert Starr Smith
born February 18, 1927; died April 10, 2026

Bob Smith was born in Vineland, New Jersey, the third child of F. E. and Grace Smith. His paternal grandparents had immigrated from England; his mother’s family, the Clarks, had been in America a century longer. After the Depression struck, F. E. and Grace moved their family to Hollywood, Florida, where F. E. sold insurance for Metropolitan Life. He remembers his family’s strong affiliation with St. John’s Episcopal Church in Hollywood.

Bob went to war while still 17, joining the Marines. By the time he was deployed in the Pacific, the next major operation for his division was to be the invasion of Japan. Fortunately Japan surrendered and his main Marine experience was occupation duty on Truk. He got out of the service in early 1947 and was glad to join his father in an independent insurance agency in Hollywood. He married his high school girlfriend, Carlon Jeannette Unger, in 1949. Their only child, Steven Garry, was born in 1953, and soon after the birth they moved to the San Francisco area, where Bob gained valuable experience as an underwriter with two national insurance companies.

The family returned to Hollywood in 1957 and to the independent insurance agency scene, but now Bob was developing an innovative manual for figuring property and casualty insurance rates that he called the Rapid Rater. The publication and updating of this manual brought Bob into close collaboration with the Florida Association of Independent Agents (FAIA) as the Rapid Rater became a prime service provided by the Association to its members. Using the manual increased the productivity of agency personnel. The success of the Rapid Rater in Florida was soon reproduced in 25 other states.

Because of Bob’s expertise in the field he got an opportunity to teach in the College of Business at Florida State University in 1968. He bolstered his credentials by passing the CPCU exams and earning a J.D. degree at the FSU law school, whereupon he received a professor appointment. During his Tallahassee years he was a regular supporter of the Tallahassee Open golf event, serving as President in 1977. In 1980, his main focus went back to the professional insurance world, directing the FAIA’s publication and education programs until his retirement in 1990, the same year in which his wife Carlon succumbed to chronic illness.

Many of his students remember him as a major influence on their careers. To quote Bill Brown, who went on to become an FAIA colleague: “Bob changed the course of my life. When I was young and unsure of myself, he saw something in me and gave me a chance . . . he was my teacher and mentor, and everything I’ve accomplished carries his fingerprints.”

In the first years of his retirement Bob gave volunteer support to several organizations in Tallahassee including Maclay Gardens and Birdsong Nature Center. Later, with his loyal pugs Ling and Cody, he lived in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida, in the Bluffs near Baton Rouge in Louisiana, and in the Jackson, Mississippi, area near his son’s family. He enjoyed many golf- and tennis-filled summers in the North Carolina mountains near Sapphire and loved canoeing and rafting. Throughout his retirement he was active in investing and in philanthropy, with particular concern for higher education (Florida State, Millsaps College) and services for the homeless (Salvation Army, Stewpot). In his 90s he did extensive work as a citizen transcriber of historical documents for the Library of Congress and the National Archives.

Bob launched many travel adventures, including to Alaska and to various European countries, that he shared with family members. He was deeply interested in the personalities and prospects of his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. To the end of his life he kept up a spirit of play in the family with funny poems for birthdays and holidays and multigenerational games he devised. For his son and his daughter-in-law Elise Lawton Smith he was a constant model of living humanely with class, zest, and humor.

Bob is survived by his son Steve (Elise), his grandchildren Matthew Clark Smith (AmaJean) and Katy Simpson Smith (Rien), and his great-grandchildren Simon Robert Smith, Starr Andrew Smith, Myriam Wilder Rose Smith, and Francis Audax Roselise.

The extended family is planning a celebration of Bob's life later in the year.

Fond memories and condolences may be shared with Bob’s family by visiting https://baldwinleepearl.com.

Alanna Ellouise Roberts, 37, of Pearl, passed away Saturday, April 4, 2026.A Celebration Gathering to remember Alanna wi...
04/10/2026

Alanna Ellouise Roberts, 37, of Pearl, passed away Saturday, April 4, 2026.

A Celebration Gathering to remember Alanna will be held from 2:00pm until 4:00pm, Saturday, April 18, 2026, at Baldwin-Lee Funeral Home in Pearl.

Alanna was born September 1, 1988, in Flowood and was a graduate of Brandon High School.

Alanna was very special—creative, sensitive, and deeply caring. Her personality was a combination of artistic talent, strong emotional depth, and compassion for others and for animals. She felt things very intensely and expressed them in meaningful ways. Alanna’s empathy and intelligence went hand-in-hand with her emotional richness, and reflected her capacity for love and connection with others.

She was preceded in death by her father, Louis Alan Roberts.

She is survived by her mother, Shirley Cothren Roberts; son, Johan Mize; aunts, Joyce Hazlip, Mary Ann Davis, Beverly Roberts, and Katie Cothren; uncles, Jimmy Cothren, and Bruce Davis; and several cousins and extended family and friends.

In lieu of flowers Alanna’s family encourages memorials to the animal shelter of your choice.

Fond memories and condolences may be shared with Alanna's family by visiting baldwinleepearl.com.

Arthur James Milner, 71, of Morton, Mississippi, entered the gates of heaven on April 4, 2026, surrounded by his loving ...
04/06/2026

Arthur James Milner, 71, of Morton, Mississippi, entered the gates of heaven on April 4, 2026, surrounded by his loving family.

Arthur was born in Jackson, Mississippi, on January 28, 1955, to Mr. Albert James Milner and Mrs. Pauline McCoy Milner. He was the third of six children born to this union.

Art, as he was known to friends, enjoyed spending time with them and his joy family riding the backroads of Scott County, Mississippi. He was a crap dealer in Las Vegas, Nevada, for many years before coming back and settling in Morton. He also was a caregiver, brother, uncle, and all will miss him.

He is preceded in death by his parents, son, Aucturius Dewayne Milner; and brother, Charlie Gaines.

He is survived by sisters, Vanessa Milner, Lorraine Ross, and Loretta Criner (Terry); brother, Billy Gaines (Karen); grandchildren, Aucurius Dewayne Milner, Jr., and Auctavia Milner; and a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins.

The family will receive friends on Friday, April 10, 2026, from 1:00pm-3:00pm at Baldwin-Lee Funeral Home in Pearl, Mississippi.

Forrest Hartley Welker, 61, of Brandon Mississippi, entered the gates of Heaven on April 2, 2026.Forrest was born March ...
04/06/2026

Forrest Hartley Welker, 61, of Brandon Mississippi, entered the gates of Heaven on April 2, 2026.

Forrest was born March 2, 1965, in Pontiac, Michigan, the son of Mr. Ronald Irvine Welker and Mrs. Katherine Beebe Welker. On April 20, 1996, he married the love of his life, Adina, and was blessed with 3 children, and 4 grandchildren.

Forrest spent his life working in service of others; first as a Police Officer, then as a Paramedic, Flight Medic, and a Firefighter and Black-water certified Diver with Reservoir Fire Department. He earned his Master’s of Science and Nursing, worked as a Critical Care Nurse, and finished his professional career as a Psychiatric Nurse Specialist- MSN, RN, NREMT-P after 25 years at Alliance Health Center. He was an avid outdoorsman and loved spending time on the water with his family. He was an experienced boater and diver, a Star Trek fan, and a Star Wars fanatic. He also deeply loved music and beach trips with his family. Never one to sit still, Forrest was constantly working on a project to help others. Above all, he loved Jesus.

Forrest was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, son, and brother whose life was rooted in love. He cherished every moment spent with those closest to him and made it his priority to nurture and support them. Through his dedication and hard work, he ensured his family was always cared for, leaving behind a legacy of commitment, strength, and unwavering love.

He is preceded in death by his father.

He is survived by his wife of 29 years, Adina Welker; daughter, Tedi Kennedy (Blake); sons, Jonathon Welker (Raven) and Hartley Welker; four grandchildren; his mother, Katherine; and sister, Nichole Baker (Jay).

The family will receive friends from 5:00pm until 7:00pm, Tuesday, April 7, 2026, at Baldwin-Lee Funeral Home in Pearl, Mississippi. Memorial Service and Celebration of Life will be at 10:00am on Wednesday, April 8, 2026, at Harvest Church in Ridgeland, MS with a one-hour visitation prior to the service. Interment will follow at Lakeland Place Memorial Park in Brandon.

The family asks if you would like to donate toward the Harvest Church Mission Fund please go to https://www.fellowshiponegiving.com/App/Giving/harv220199 then click “Mission Giving” or mail checks to Harvest Church 820 Wilson Dr. Ridgeland, MS 39157

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.baldwinleepearl.com for the Welker family.

Albert “Keith” Thurman, age 60, of Pearl, went to his forever home peacefully on March 31, 2026, surrounded by love.Keit...
04/06/2026

Albert “Keith” Thurman, age 60, of Pearl, went to his forever home peacefully on March 31, 2026, surrounded by love.

Keith was a devoted father, a retired fireman and Fire Instructor at the Mississippi Fire Academy. Keith never met a stranger and could talk to anyone, about anything. He dedicated many years of his life to serving others through his work, carrying that same selflessness into his everyday life. Known for his humor, quick wit, and mischievous spirit, Keith brought laughter and light to those around him. His stories and personality will be remembered and cherished by all who knew him. He was an avid hunter and fisherman.

Above all, Keith loved his family deeply. He found his greatest joy in spending time with his daughters and his five grandchildren, who were the light of his life. Whether it was sharing stories, joking around, or simply being together, those moments meant everything to him.

Keith is survived by his loving daughters, Ashley Haddox (Michael), and Morgan McCaleb (Mitchell); his cherished grandchildren, Haidyn, Cayden, and Tripp Haddox, Duncan and Meredith McCaleb; his mother, Martha “Mott” Thurman; his brother, Donald Thurman (Glenda); his niece, Taylor Henderson (Austin), along with their children, Mary Parker and Kennedy; and his nephew, Parker Thurman.

He is preceded in death by his father, William Donald “Billy” Thurman and a true man’s best friend, his dog Pete.

In keeping with Keith’s giving nature, he chose to donate his body in hopes of helping others and advancing medical research—a final act of kindness that reflects the way he lived his life.

A celebration of life will be held on Thursday, April 9, 2026, from 5:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Albert “Keith” Thurman, age 60, of Pearl, went to his forever home peacefully on March 31, 2026, surrounded by love.

Keith was a devoted father, a retired fireman and Fire Instructor at the Mississippi Fire Academy. Keith never met a stranger and could talk to anyone, about anything. He dedicated many years of his life to serving others through his work, carrying that same selflessness into his everyday life. Known for his humor, quick wit, and mischievous spirit, Keith brought laughter and light to those around him. His stories and personality will be remembered and cherished by all who knew him. He was an avid hunter and fisherman.

Above all, Keith loved his family deeply. He found his greatest joy in spending time with his daughters and his five grandchildren, who were the light of his life. Whether it was sharing stories, joking around, or simply being together, those moments meant everything to him.

Keith is survived by his loving daughters, Ashley Haddox (Michael), and Morgan McCaleb (Mitchell); his cherished grandchildren, Haidyn, Cayden, and Tripp Haddox, Duncan and Meredith McCaleb; his mother, Martha “Mott” Thurman; his brother, Donald Thurman (Glenda); his niece, Taylor Henderson (Austin), along with their children, Mary Parker and Kennedy; and his nephew, Parker Thurman.

He is preceded in death by his father, William Donald “Billy” Thurman and a true man’s best friend, his dog Pete.

In keeping with Keith’s giving nature, he chose to donate his body in hopes of helping others and advancing medical research—a final act of kindness that reflects the way he lived his life.

A celebration of life will be held on Thursday, April 9, 2026, from 5:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at the Pearl Senior Citizen Center located at 110 Valentour Road Pearl, MS 39208.

He was a mentor and friend to so many and has left an unprecedented impact on those he came in contact with.

Keith will be deeply missed, forever loved, and never forgotten.

He was a mentor and friend to so many and has left an unprecedented impact on those he came in contact with.

Keith will be deeply missed, forever loved, and never forgotten.

In lieu of flowers the family ask that you donate to Gabby Strong Foundation in memory of Keith at https://www.gabbystrongfoundation.org/donatewithkeiththurman

Address

3780 Highway 80 East
Pearl, MS
39208

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+16019396110

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Our Pearl Funeral Home

Our spacious facility has a comfortable, home-like atmosphere. We have a chapel that has a traditional and down-to-earth feel with burgundy and wood tones. Baldwin-Lee Funeral Home also has multi-functional event spaces, which can be used for visitations, receptions and other types of events. If you’re interested in holding a funeral at your worship center or another venue, simply let us know and we’ll handle it from there.

We believe that funerals and memorial services should honor the lives of those being remembered. That’s why we work tirelessly to create meaningful tributes that are personalized in a way that reflects their unique passions and interests. When you come to Baldwin-Lee Funeral Home, our team will work with you to create a truly memorable and unique service that does just that.

In order to further customize your loved one’s memorial service, we offer a variety of options. We can help create a memorial DVD to be played during the funeral service. Many people also choose our customized keepsakes, which are gifts that guests can take home after the service and remember for years afterwards. We also do farewell tributes, such as a balloon release or bagpipe salute.

For veterans, our team is experienced at coordinating with each branch of our country’s armed forces to arrange military funeral honors.