Mt. Vernon Chapel

04/01/2026

Most people don’t realize how many decisions have to be made in the first 24–48 hours after a loss.

And in that moment, your family is grieving, not thinking clearly.

That’s what this seminar is for.

We’ll walk through:
• What actually happens when someone passes
• The decisions families are faced with
• What can be planned ahead (and what can’t)
• How to make things easier on the people you love

No pressure. No expectations. Just information.

If you’ve ever thought, “I probably need to look into that someday…” then this is a good place to start.

Join us for our upcoming FREE Life Planning Seminar - your dinner is ON US!

🗓️ Tuesday, April 14
🕒 6 PM
📞 Call (662) 433-5680 or message us to reserve your seat!

03/31/2026

Thank you to The Stone Yard for for their craftsmanship and attention to detail on Mount Vernon Chapel! The stonework plays such an important role in the character of our space, and we’re grateful to have partnered with a team who brought that vision to life so well.

03/27/2026

JOIN US for a Life Planning Seminar, Tuesday, April 14th at either 11 AM for lunch or 6 PM for dinner at Mt. Vernon Chapel. Learn more about the benefits of pre-planning and enjoy a meal on us!

Planning ahead is a gift of peace. 🌿
By attending our seminar, you can:
• Ease the burden on loved ones
• Ensure your wishes are honored
• Protect against rising costs
• Gain clarity and peace of mind

Join us as we guide you through thoughtful options for the future.

Location: Mt. Vernon Chapel - 1716 McCullough Blvd, Tupelo, MS 38801

Please call 662-432-5680 or send us a message to reserve your seats!

03/25/2026

We LOVE seeing groups come in and make our space their own for their events! But it’s even more impactful when it’s for a meaningful cause.

Thank you to S.A.F.E., for all of the work you do in our community!

Mahj: Mahj Parlour Tupelo
Decor: Bramble Holiday Decorating
Photos: Annette Tomlinson Photography

03/23/2026

Carol Morgan

OKOLONA, MS - Carol Wilbourn Morgan, 86, passed away peacefully on March 23, 2026, at Schilling Gardens Senior Living in Collierville, TN. Born in Coffeeville, MS, on December 19, 1939, Carol was the daughter of Ruby Merle Johnson Wilbourn and Parks Clifton Wilbourn. Following her graduation from Coffeeville High School, she moved to Memphis,TN to begin a career in the banking industry. While in Memphis, she met and married Jerry Morgan. The couple eventually settled in Okolona, MS, where Carol would reside for the next 50 years. Together, they owned and operated the Okolona Drug Co., a business to which Carol devoted many years of hard work and heart.

A woman of deep faith, Carol was a dedicated member of the First United Methodist Church in Okolona, MS. She found great joy in teaching Sunday School and Vacation Bible School, as well as assisting with church luncheons and activities. She was well known for her love of holidays, creating memorable celebrations for her family through beautiful decorations and thoughtfully prepared meals. An avid sports fan, she loved watching SEC football, especially her beloved Rebels. Carol was a devoted mother and best friend to her daughters, Amy and Stephanie, and a wonderful grandmother to her grandson, Michael.

She is survived by her twin daughters, Amy Morgan Myers (Tommy) and Stephanie Morgan Zibby (Michael), both of Germantown, TN; one grandson, Michael Zibby of Germantown, TN, two sisters, Sally Wilbourn of Memphis, TN, and Judy Jones (Mike) of Winona, MS; one brother, Mack Wilbourn (Carol) of Coffeeville, MS; and many beloved nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Parks and Merle Wilbourn; sister and brother-in-law, Shirley and Stanley Starr.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to the staff at Schilling Gardens Senior Living in Collierville, TN. The love, care, and compassion shown over the past several months were a true blessing. A heartfelt thank you to Wendy, Brooke, Kadejah, and Madisson for their friendship to Carol and for the excellent care they provided.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Sunday, March 29, 2026, at First United Methodist Church in Okolona, MS. Visitation will be from 2:00 p.m. until service time on Sunday, March 29, 2026 at First United Methodist Church in Okolona, MS.

Mt. Vernon Chapel is honored to assist the Morgan family during this time.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made to: First United Methodist Church Building Fund, PO Box 436, Okolona, MS 38860.

Her legacy lives on in the love she shared and the memories she created with those she cherished most. Condolences to the family can be made on Ms. Carol's page at mtvernonchapel.com

View Carol Morgan's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

03/23/2026

If you were unable to attend the funeral services or livestream event for Frankie Waldrop, we have made the recording available here.

This is "Mary "Frankie" Frank Waldrop - Mt. Vernon Chapel" by Ron Clyde on Vimeo, the home for high quality videos and the people who love them.

03/20/2026

LIVE NOW: https://cutt.ly/FrankieWaldrop
Friends and family, please join us in celebrating the life of a beloved member of our community, Frankie Waldrop, on 3/20/2026 2:00 PM Central (Chicago). We would love for you to participate in person or virtually as we remember, honor, and celebrate them.

Livestream: https://cutt.ly/FrankieWaldrop
Obituary: https://cutt.ly/MaryWaldropObituary

Thank you for loving Frankie Waldrop as much as we do and taking time to honor their life with us.

03/20/2026

A Calling Fulfilled: Serving Tupelo with Compassion and Care

For Jay Darnell, funeral service has never just been a career — it has been a calling.
An Okolona native, Jay entered the funeral industry in 2008 with a background in insurance, beginning in pre- need sales. He was hired to help grow and strengthen the pre-need program at Holland Funeral Directors, where he
quickly discovered a deeper passion for serving families during some of their most difficult moments.

Over the years, he worked his way up to become a licensed funeral director, walking closely with hundreds of families and developing a heart for meaningful, personal funeral service.

By 2021, Jay felt called to step away and pursue a long- held vision — to own a funeral home that would serve the Tupelo community with compassion, transparency, and genuine care. Though opportunities presented themselves out of state, the dream was always local.

That vision became Mount Vernon Chapel.

Jay and his wife, Natania, brought more than funeral experience to the table. In 2015, they
founded J&N Services, a contracting business that has completed more than 30 homes —
entirely by word of mouth. Through that work, they developed an eye for craftsmanship and
restoration, which allowed them to see the potential in the historic property that would become Mount Vernon Chapel.

Natania’s story is one of resilience and strength. Originally from Missouri, she and her brothers
grew up at Tupelo Children’s Mansion before she was adopted her senior year of high school.
She has spent much of her professional life working in family-owned businesses, including
alongside her late husband, gaining firsthand knowledge of business ownership, leadership, and the dedication it takes to serve a community well.

Together, Jay and Natania are committed to building businesses that honor faith, family, and
responsible stewardship. Beyond Mount Vernon Chapel, they are actively involved in Five Oaks
Cattle, their family’s Brahman cattle operation run alongside Jay’s parents, Jamie and Charlotte. At the heart of it all, they are devoted parents to their two sons, Evan and Ty.

For the Darnells, Mount Vernon Chapel is more than a business venture — it is the fulfillment of
a local dream and a commitment to serve Tupelo families with integrity, compassion, and a heart
for community.

03/20/2026

Friends and family, please join us in celebrating the life of a beloved member of our community, Frankie Waldrop, on 3/20/2026 2:00 PM Central (Chicago). We would love for you to participate in person or virtually as we remember, honor, and celebrate them.

Livestream: https://cutt.ly/FrankieWaldrop
Obituary: https://cutt.ly/MaryWaldropObituary

Thank you for loving Frankie Waldrop as much as we do and taking time to honor their life with us.

03/16/2026

Mary "Frankie" Frank Waldrop

Tupelo - Mary "Frankie" Frank Waldrop, 93, passed away Sunday, March 15, 2026, at the Frank Greenhouse at Traceway in Tupelo, MS. A lifelong resident of the area, she was born January 2, 1933, in Pontotoc, MS to the late Roy Earl Duncan and Mary Alice Gooch Duncan.

Frankie was a graduate of Randolph High School, where she was crowned "Most Beautiful" by her peers, and where she met her high school sweetheart, William "Percy" Waldrop. The two of them were named Mr. and Miss Randolph High School, and on April 22, 1951, just one day after their graduation, Frankie and Percy were married. Their devoted marriage lasted 53 years until his passing. Together, they enjoyed square dancing and traveling. Some of their favorite destinations were Chattanooga, TN, and The Great Smoky Mountains, where they enjoyed many trips with their children and grandchildren throughout the years. Together Frankie and Percy were faithful members of Harrisburg Baptist Church, where they both delighted in serving as Sunday School teachers.

Ms. Frankie was a hard worker who remained active in the workforce into her 80s, always eager to serve the public. This included her many years working in the men's department for Black's Department Store and later for Megginson Jewelers, both in Tupelo, MS. She was a gifted cook, a devoted mother, and a deeply loving grandmother, who found her greatest joy in caring for her family.

She is survived by two sons, Phil Waldrop (Linda) of Belden, MS and Terry Waldrop of Saltillo, MS; one sister-in-law, Mary Thompson of Hernando, MS; five grandchildren, Brent Waldrop (A***n) of Belden, MS, Justin Waldrop (Lauren) of Belden, MS , Lindsey Shafer (Daniel) of Huntsville, AL, Jacy Hubschmann (Kevin) of Brooklynn, NY and Kylie Waldrop (fiancé Jeffrey Wiygul) of Panama City Beach, FL; and nine great-grandchildren, Brooks, Beyla, Baron, Collins, Corinne, Cruz, Mercedes, Sterling and August.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Roy and Mary Duncan; her husband, Percy Waldrop; and her brother, Roy Eugene Duncan.

Services will be at 2:00 p.m. Friday, March 20, 2026, at Mt. Vernon Chapel, 1716 McCullough Blvd, Tupelo, with Bro. David Smith officiating. Burial will be at Lee Memorial Park in Verona. Visitation will be from 1:00 p.m. until service time Friday at Mt Vernon Chapel.

Honorary pallbearers will be her grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made to the Harrisburg Baptist Church Building Fund. The family wishes to express their sincere appreciation to the staff members of Creekside Manor, Frank Greenhouse at Traceway, and Enhabit Hospice for their compassionate care. Mt. Vernon Chapel is honored to be serving the Waldrop family. Condolences for the family of Ms. Frankie may be left at mtvernonchapel.com.

View Mary "Frankie" Frank Waldrop's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

03/16/2026

Check out this video by RCLF! We’re featured in the second part of the video.

03/16/2026

Mary "Frankie" Frank Waldrop

Tupelo - Mary "Frankie" Frank Waldrop, 93, passed away Sunday, March 15, 2026, at the Frank Greenhouse at Traceway in Tupelo. A lifelong resident of the area, she was born January 2, 1933, in Pontotoc, MS to the late Roy Earl Duncan and Mary Alice Gooch Duncan.

Frankie was a graduate of Pontotoc High School, where she was crowned "Most Beautiful" by her peers. On April 22, 1951, just one day after their graduation, she married her high school sweetheart, William "Percy" Waldrop. Their devoted marriage lasted 53 years until his passing. Together, they enjoyed square dancing, traveling to their favorite destination in Chattanooga, TN, and serving as Sunday School teachers at Harrisburg Baptist Church.

Ms. Frankie was a hard worker who remained active in the workforce into her 80s, always eager to serve the public. She was an excellent cook and a wonderful mother and grandmother who found her greatest joy in caring for her family.

She is survived by two sons, Phil Waldrop (Linda) of Belden, MS and Terry Waldrop of Saltillo, MS; one sister-in-law, Mary Thompson of Hernando, MS; five grandchildren, Justin Waldrop (Lauren) of Belden, MS, Brent Waldrop (A***n) of Belden, MS , Lindsey Shafer (Daniel) of Huntsville, AL, Kylie Waldrop (fiancé Jeffrey Wiygul) of Panama City Beach, FL , and Jacy Hubschmann (Kevin) of Brooklynn, NY ; and nine great-grandchildren, Brooks, Baron, Beyla, Collins, Corinne, Cruz, Mercedes, Sterling, and August.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Roy and Mary Duncan; her husband, Percy Waldrop; and a brother, Roy Eugene Duncan.

Services will be at 2:00 p.m. Friday, March 20, 2026, at Mt. Vernon Chapel, 1716 McCullough Blvd, Tupelo, with Bro. David Smith officiating. A private graveside service will follow at Lee Memorial Park in Verona. Visitation will be from 1:00 p.m. until service time Friday at Mt Vernon Chapel.

Honorary pallbearers will be her grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made to the Harrisburg Baptist Church Building Fund. The family wishes to express their sincere appreciation to the staff members of Creekside Manor, Frank Greenhouse at Traceway, and Enhabit Hospice for their compassionate care. Mt. Vernon Chapel is honored to serve the Waldrop family. Condolences for the family of Ms. Frankie may be left at mtvernonchapel.com.

View Mary "Frankie" Frank Waldrop's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.