Baldwin-Lee Funeral Home

11/09/2025

Gladys Hall Brock, 89, of Braxton, passed away on November 4, 2025, while surrounded by her family at home.

All services to honor Gladys will be held at Lakewood Funeral Home in Jackson on Tuesday, November 11, 2025. Visitation will be from 12:30pm until 2:00pm, followed by funeral services at 2:00pm in the chapel at Lakewood. Interment will be private.

Gladys was born and raised in Clinton, MS. She received her Registered Nursing licensure degree from the Gilfoy School of Nursing in Jackson, MS. Gladys dedicated 36 years of her life to her passion of nursing and provided care, comfort and compassion to numerous people in need. She retired as a critical care nurse while living in Alexandria, VA.

Upon her retirement, Gladys returned home to Mississippi. There she found her home near Braxton. She made many strong friendships within the church and community and was very active in the Braxton community. She was a member and pianist for the United Methodist Church of Braxton. She was also active in the First Baptist Church of Braxton and served as their pianist as well. Gladys was active for over 60 years in the Order of the Eastern Star.

Gladys was a loving person, with a strong personality and spoke plainly from what was on her mind. While she could be stern and business-like at times, Gladys had a great sense of humor. Whether corny jokes with her grandchildren, fun costumes or straight-faced humorous comments with friends, she thoroughly enjoyed the fun.

She is preceded in death by her first husband, Lonnie Malcom Gerrald; son, Ray Malcolm Gerrald; second husband, Milford Louis Brock; her adored mother ad father, Alleen and Ira Hall; sister, Martha Junot; and brothers, Gerald Eugene Hall, and Charles "Buddy" Hall. Gladys is survived by daughter, Fay Alleen Levison; grandchildren, Auxtin Levison, Malcolm Gray Levison, and Ira-Rain Alleen Levison; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Gladys was a devout follower of Christ Jesus and dedicated her entire life to love and service to and for Father God. She will be dearly missed by all of us. Her family and friends do take comfort knowing that she is now at peace, resting in the arms of her first love, God!

Memorials can be sent to the Baptist or United Methodist churches of Braxton, or to the Methodist Children's Home.

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

11/08/2025

Gladys Hall Brock, 89, of Braxton, passed away on November 4, 2025, while surrounded by her family at home.

All services to honor Gladys will be held at Lakewood Funeral Home in Jackson on Tuesday, November 11, 2025. Visitation will be from 12:30pm until 2:00pm, followed by funeral services at 2:00pm in the chapel at Lakewood. Interment will be private.

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

11/04/2025

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11/03/2025

Carol Ann (Cox) Smith, of Pearl, MS, surrounded by her loving husband and family, was called home to be with her Lord on October 31, 2025.

Carol was preceded in death by her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Charlie Cox; her sisters, Betty Cox Johnson and Janie Cox Shows; and her brother, Billy Cox.

Carol is survived by her loving husband of 58 years, Denver C. Smith; her niece, Pamela Carol Kitch (John) of Gulfport, MS; her nephew, Phil Shows (Nikki) of Franklin, TN; her niece, Eva Gayle Cox (Phil) of Pearl; six great-nieces and nephews; and ten great-great-nieces and nephews.

Carol was born in Jackson, MS, on October 3, 1948. She was a lifelong resident of Pearl, MS, where she was known for her warm and nurturing spirit and her unwavering dedication to her family. After graduating with honors from Pearl High School in 1966, she married her beloved Denver on June 10, 1967, at Pearl United Methodist Church, where she was a faithful member for many years.

Carol graduated from Draughon's Business College and worked for the FBI for several years before discovering her true calling in education. She earned her degree from Belhaven College and her master's degree from Mississippi College, later achieving her National Board Teacher Certification. For 30 years, Carol dedicated herself to shaping young minds, teaching at Pearl High School for five years and Northwest Rankin for 25 years. She also served as cheerleader sponsor, mentoring countless students with the same warmth and encouragement she brought to all her relationships.

Carol had a gift for creating a beautiful home that made everyone feel welcome. She was an immaculate housekeeper with an eye for design, and her home was a comfortable haven that reflected her care and attention to detail. Her backyard was a masterpiece, a carefully tended garden filled with beautiful flowers and plants where she could enjoy nature alongside her beloved cats. Those who visited were always struck by the stacks of books and magazines throughout her home. Carol had a lifelong love of reading and could often be found with a good book in hand. Over the years, she devoured thousands of books, and her enthusiasm for literature was infectious.

Though her circle was small, Carol loved her people with fierce devotion. She had an extraordinary gift for making each person feel special, seen, and deeply cared for. When you spoke with Carol, you felt like the center of her world. Her warmth, her nurturing spirit, and her genuine interest in others created bonds that ran deep. She cherished her family above all else and was a devoted wife, daughter, sister and aunt who loved wholeheartedly and without reservation.

Carol faced her battle with lymphoma with remarkable courage and strength. The family wishes to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the medical staff at Mississippi Baptist Medical Center who cared for Carol with such compassion in her final weeks.

A memorial service will be held on Monday, November 24, 2025, from 1:00pm-4:00pm at Baldwin-Lee Funeral Home in Pearl, Mississippi.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Mississippi Animal Rescue League in Carol's memory.

11/02/2025

Mildred D. Jones, 90, of Dayton, TN, formerly of Pearl, MS, was reunited with her loved ones who passed before her on October 31, 2025.

Mildred was born in Carroll County, MS, on April 10, 1935, to Mr. Rayburn Leroy Davis and Mrs. Mary Cecile Riddle Davis.

A woman of unwavering faith and boundless love, Mildred was a cherished mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend. Her passing leaves a profound void in the lives of those who loved her, but we find comfort in knowing she is at peace.

Mildred’s life was a testament to the power of a joyful spirit. Mildred loved singing in the church choir at Eastside Baptist Church in Pearl, MS where she was a faithful member until she moved to Dayton, TN. She would also send birthday cards to others celebrating their big day. She loved playing the piano, playing bingo, and other social activities with her friends and neighbors at Life Care Center of Rhea County in Dayton, TN. She was employed at South Central Bell, Bellsouth, and AT&T, working in cost accounting until she retired in 1998.

Mrs. Jones is preceded in death by her parents; son, William Boyd Jones, Jr. (Pearl, MS); brothers, Howard Davis (Carrollton, MS), Jessie Paul Davis (Indianola, MS), Herbert Davis (Carrollton, MS), and Rayburn Davis (Brandon, MS).

She leaves behind to carry on her legacy her daughter, Ruth Jones Crutchfield of Cordova, TN; son, Scott Wayne Jones (Kim) of Dayton, TN; grandchildren, Michael Scott Jones (Rachel) of Cordova, TN, Hannah Paige McGee (Bryant) of Spring Hill, TN, and Seth Thomas Jones of Murfreesboro, TN; great-grandchildren, Monica Ruth Jones of Cordova, TN, Sage Elizabeth Jones of Cordova, TN, and Tyson James McGee of Springhill, TN.

The family will receive friends from 1:00pm-2:00pm on Thursday, November 6, 2025, at Baldwin-Lee Funeral Home in Pearl, MS. A memorial service will follow at the funeral home. Interment will be at Floral Hills Memory Gardens in Pearl, MS.

10/31/2025

Mark Ray Haden, 57, of Pearl, MS entered the gates of heaven and into our Saviors arms on October 29, 2025.

Mark was born on November 27, 1967, in New Orleans, LA to Mr. Milton Ray Haden and Mrs. Adalee Matheny Haden. He met his best friend and the love of his life, Ms. Gina Naef, in 1985 while attending college at Southwest MS Community College. In 2010, faith brought the two back together and for 16 years they were inseparable.

Mark was employed at Rick’s Pro Truck as a salesman for well over 20 years. In his spare time, he loved to cook, and most would say that his smoked BBQ brisket was the best around. If he was not cooking, he loved going to baseball and football games especially to see the LSU Tigers and the New Orlean Saints. He enjoyed golfing and fishing as well.

He is preceded in death by his parents, and sister, Millee Haden.

Left to cherish his memory are his life partner of 16 years, Gina Naef and her children that he considered to be his own; son, Zachary Naef (Whitney); and daughter, Kayla Naef. He also leaves behind a grandson, Cooper Naef and granddaughter on the way, Kamaya Meeks.

Family will receive friends on Sunday, November 2, 2025, from 2:00pm-4:00pm at Baldwin-Lee Funeral Home in Pearl, MS. Per Mr. Haden’s wishes no other services will be held.

10/31/2025

10/29/2025

Judy C. Gray, 79, of Florence, MS, passed away surrounded by family on Monday, October 27, 2025.

Judy was born on June 28, 1946, to Mr. John William Cavanna and Mrs. Rebecca Dixon Cavanna in Greene County, MS. She met the love of her life Mr. Myres Gray, and they were married in November 1981. Together they ran Gray’s Truck Service where Mrs. Gray was the bookkeeper for many years.

Judy was a chef by heart. She loved cooking in general, but sweets were her specialty. She lived a life defined by quiet devotion, generosity, and a love that asked for nothing in return. She poured into others with joy, never needing recognition. She found peace in the simple things — a good book in her hands or the sound of waves nearby. She was the happiest at the beach or near the water; it was her place of joy, stillness, and comfort.

She is preceded in death by her parents; brother, John Terry Cavanna; sister, Diane Whatley; and nephew, Timothy Cavanna.

She is survived by her husband of 43 years Mr. Myres Gray; daughters, Michelle Rushing (Gato Ramirez), Brandi Tate; sons, Bret Gray (Donna), Steven Gray, Phillip Gray (Ray); brother, Larry Cavanna (Kathleen). She is also survived by 9 grandchildren, 6 great grandchildren, 4 nieces, and 2 nephews.

The family will receive friends on Thursday, October 30, 2025, from 12:00pm-2:00pm at Baldwin-Lee Funeral Home in Pearl, Mississippi. A memorial service will follow at 2:00pm. Interment will take place following the service at Floral Hills Memory Gardens in Pearl, MS.

10/28/2025

Thank you to our brave first responders who are the first on the scene to help those most in need.

10/27/2025

Marian V. Diffenderfer, 96, of Jackson, passed away peacefully on October 25, 2025, at the Vicksburg Convalescent Home.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Robert Diffenderfer; parents, Edward Rezin Anderson and Reba Burnham Anderson; and sisters, Mildred Redditt, Willie Mae Potter, and Jewell A. Moore.

She is survived by daughter, Virginia Shaffer and husband Steve; grandson, Robert Shaffer and wife Dixie; and great-grandchildren, Gracie, Shane, Sawyer, Stetson and Sunni Shaffer.

Visitation will be held from 10:00am until 11:00am, Wednesday, October 29, 2025, at Baldwin-Lee Funeral Home in Pearl. Funeral services will follow at 11:00am in the funeral home chapel. Interment will be private.

Fond memories and condolences may be shared by visiting baldwinleepearl.com.