http://www.millingfuneralhome.net/

Milling Funeral Home, 23477 Highway 15, Union, MS (2026)

04/02/2026

UNION: Services for Mr. Billy Ray Ethridge, Sr will be held 11 am, Wednesday, April 08, 2026, at Arkadelphia Baptist Church with burial in the church cemetery. Bro. Keith Lovett and Bro. Michael Pogue will officiate.

Visitation will be held 10 am- 11 am, Wednesday, April 08, 2026 at Arkadelphia Baptist Church.

Mr. Ethridge, age 82, of Meridian died Tuesday, March 31, 2026.

Survivors:

2 Daughters: Lynn Garret (Russell) and Tammy Ethridge

1 Son: Bill Ethridge

2 Grandchildren: Michael Garrett (Brooke), and Kristin Partridge (River)

3 Great-Grandchildren: Kailyn Garrett, Tripp Garrett, and Nayomi Partridge

Mother of his children: Ruth Ethridge

Mr. Ethridge is preceded in death by his parents, Andrew and Dorothy Ethridge; Grandson, Mason Pinson, five brothers and one sister.

Mr. Billy Ray Ethridge Sr. was a member of Midway Baptist Church.

Pallbearers: Bubba Ethridge, Michael Yancy, Scottie Ethridge, Johnny McClure, Brisco James and Michael Garrett

The family would like to thank ACG Hospice for their care and compassion.

03/31/2026

UNION: Services for Mr. Billy Ethridge are incomplete at this time.

03/27/2026

Pastor Howard “Lamar” Jackson entered his heavenly home on Thursday, March 26, 2026, at the age of 83.

Graveside services will be held at 3:00pm, Monday March 30, 2026 at Salem Cumberland Presbyterian Church in Walnut Grove, MS.

Visitation will be held from 1:00- 3:00 at the Church on Monday.

Lamar was born on October 10, 1942, in Mississippi to the late William Howard Jackson and Virga Ora McKeeJackson. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Sandra Elaine(Watkins) Jackson and his grandson, Jackson Luke Myers.

Lamar lived a life devoted to serving others and his faith. To know him was to know a man whose heart fully belonged to Jesus Christ. He graduated from Bethel College with a degree in seminary and faithfully pastored numerous churches throughout his life, including Charleston CP Church, Coker Church, Kosciusko CP Church, Erin CP Church, Walnut Grove CP Church, Atwood CP Church, Antioch Church, New Ebenezer Pleasant Mount CP Church, Steam Mill CP Church, Salem CP Church, Silverdale CP Church, and Flint Springs CP Church. He served as head of The Ministerial Association of Rhea County, was the minister of music at Charleston CP Church and help with the music at Pikeville CP Church. His ministry extended from beyond the pulpit, reaching deeply into the communities he served.

Outside of his pastoral calling, Lamar worked at Bendix-Allied Signal for 24 years before retiring in 2003. He was passionate about mentoring young people and made a lasting impact through his involvement with the Boy Scouts of America as a Scout Master, helping guide many young men to achieve the rank of Eagle Scout including his son, Mark.

Lamar had a deep love for music and especially cherished singing at church. He was also a proud and dedicated blood donor, generously giving over 12 gallons throughout his lifetime to help others in the community. He loved his Saturday morning coffee club at Hardees with his friends or the Huddle House after evening service at First Baptist.

He is survived by his children, Mark Thomas Jackson of Cleveland, and Melanie Ann Jackson Myers of Dayton; his grandson, William Clayton Myers of Dayton; and his beloved cat, Sophie.

Serving as pallbearers are John, Stokes, David Bond, Cecil Jackson, Mark Jackson, Richard Graham, and honorary pallbearer, Tommy Crawford.

03/26/2026

UNION: Funeral services for Mr. Gerald H. Rigdon will be held at 2:00 P.M. Friday, March 27, 2026, at Milling Funeral Home Chapel of Union. Burial will follow at New Ireland Baptist Church Cemetery. Bro. Thomas Fortenberry, Bro. Bobby Barfoot, and Bro. Rusty Walton will officiate.

Visitation will begin at 12:30 pm until service time on Friday at Milling Funeral Home of Union.

Gerald H. Rigdon, a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and friend, passed away leaving behind a legacy of love, hard work, and faith. He had been a cherished member of his community since 1961.

Gerald married his beloved wife, Martha Rigdon, in 1959 at New Ireland Baptist Church. Together they shared 66 years of marriage, building a life rooted in faith, family, and unwavering commitment.

He spent over 40 years working as a Plant Engineer for DeSoto & Cleveland, where he was known for his strong work ethic, leadership, and dedication. Gerald was also a faithful member of New Ireland Baptist Church.

In his free time, Gerald enjoyed rebuilding tractor motors, a passion that reflected his patience and skill. He treasured time with his family, especially making lasting memories such as teaching loved ones to water ski. He lived by the belief to always finish what you start, no matter how difficult the task.

Above all, Gerald’s greatest pride and accomplishment was his family.

He is survived by his loving wife, Martha Rigdon; his son, Mark Rigdon (Anita); his daughter, Alesia Lingle (Chris); his grandson, Colby Rigdon (Lindsey); and his granddaughter, Kristen Lingle. He is also survived by his sister, Lynn Bishop (Prentiss). He also leaves behind honorary grandchildren, Roderick Hawkins and Allison Gibson and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Blanche Gore Rigdon and Lester Lamar Rigdon; his siblings: Lavette Rigdon, Paulvin Rigdon, Keith Rigdon, and Willis Rigdon

Gerald will be remembered for his steady presence, his perseverance, and the deep love he had for his family. His life was a testament to dedication, faith, and the importance of finishing what you start.

Pallbearers: Roderick Hawkins, Daniel Harrison, Bruce Shannon, Zan Tillman, and Darrell Pyle

Honorary Pallbearer: Bobby Tillman

03/24/2026

UNION:

Services for Mr. Gerald H. Rigdon will be held at 2:00 P.M. Friday, March 27, 2026 at Milling Funeral Home in Union.

Visitation will begin at 12:30 until service time.

Burial will follow at New Ireland Baptist Church.

Full obituary to follow.

03/23/2026

UNION: Services for Mrs. Jane Shelton Couturie` will be held 3:30 p.m., Wednesday, March 25, 2026, at First Baptist Church of Union. Bro. Michael Wilbanks and Bro. Nathan Davis will officiate. Burial will be held in Union City Cemetery.

Visitation will be held 2:00-3:30 p.m., Wednesday March 25, 2026, at First Baptist Church of Union prior to church service.

Jane Shelton Couturie’ passed away Saturday night March 21, 2026 in her home surrounded by her family. Jane was 82 years young.
While admired for her outer beauty, Jane was most known for her inner beauty and her love of God's Word and for her family.
When her husband Denny was called into the ministry to be a preacher, Jane stood quietly beside him being his biggest supporter and encourager. She always preferred to do her ministry in the shadows, never the spotlight.

Jane was selfless, always putting others first. Jane loved unconditionally. And it was spending time with children and grandchildren that brought her the most joy and made her the happiest.

She will always be remembered as the best wife, mother and nana anyone could have ever asked for. She will forever be our Angel Jane.

Survivors:

Husband of 61 years: Denny Couturie`

1 Son: Denny Couturie` Jr. (Dallas)

1 Daughter: Danielle Deir (Franklin)

2 Grandchildren: Matthew McGaha (Marianna) and Micah McGaha (Mollie)

1 Great-Grandson: Cooper McGaha

4 siblings: Twin Brother, James "BO" Shelton, Mack Shelton (Gail), Margaret Driskell (Larry), and Velma Graham (John)

She is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews.

Mrs. Jane Couturie` is preceded in death by her parents, Mack and Mary Shelton; two sisters, Gwen Shelton and Barbara Harrison.

Pallbearers: Chad Harrison, Michael Graham, Jeff Shelton, Eric Shelton, Ashley Burroughs, and Scott Driskell

03/23/2026

UNION: Graveside service for Ms. Sara Mae Munn will be held 2:00 p.m., Tuesday, March 24, 2026, at Mt. Zion Congregational Methodist Church. Bro. Tod Thompson will officiate.

Ms. Munn, age 96, passed away Saturday, March 21, 2026.

Ms. Sara was very well known in the community for her crocheting. She donated many of her crocheted blankets to the hospitals, nursing homes and children hospitals. She crocheted until her eyes and fingers failed her. Ms. Sara was 95 years old when she had to quit crocheting.

Survivors:

4 Daughters: Joyce Kinloch (Tom) of Union, Marie Harrison (Danny) of Decatur, Mildred Stephens (Freddie) of Union and Faye Vance (Andy) of Union

5 Grandchildren

9 Great- Grandchildren

She is also survived by a host of nieces and nephews.

Ms. Sara Mae is preceded in death by her husband, Jack T. Munn; two daughters, Becky Munn Stoeber, Reba Herrington, and one grandson, Alec Stephens.

Pallbearers: Grandsons: Ethan Breland, Adam Vance, Clay Thrash, Alan Dear, Riley Thrash and Tanner Fortenberry

In lieu of flowers the family request memorials be made to: The Gideons International (The Gideons International P.O. Box 297, Newton, Ms. 39345).

03/22/2026

Funeral Arrangements for Ms. Jane Shelton Couturie are incomplete at this time.

03/22/2026

UNION: Services for Mr. Michael Hunter Vance will be held 11 a.m., Wednesday, March 25, 2026, at Lucern Congregational Methodist Church. Bro. Jimmy Holder, Bro. Howell Thrash, Bro. Rusty Walton, Bro. Jeff Hall and Bro. Billy Martin will officiate the service. Burial will be in church cemetery.

Visitation will be held 5:00-7:00 p.m., Tuesday, March 24, 2026, at Milling Funeral Home of Union.

Visitation will also be held 30 minutes prior to services at Lucern Congregational Methodist Church on Wednesday, March 25, 2026.

Mr. Michael Hunter Vance, 55, of the Lucern Community passed away Friday, March 20, 2026, just twelve days after celebrating his 55th birthday. Born with a big heart and a laugh that filled the room, Michael lived a life defined by hard work and loyalty.

A Newton County native and Decatur High School Alumni, he attended Lucern Congregational Methodist Church. Michael spent his career as a truck driver, however his heart was always in the Wagon behind his mules Kate and Homer. Whether he was at a mule pull or just winding down a quite back road, Michael was in his element. He was a man who truly loved to laugh and embraced the joy in life.

Above all, Michael loved his family. No one held a bigger piece of his heart than his grandson, Stetson. He was Michael's pride and joy, and his favorite topic of conversation. Known for his “never met a stranger” attitude, Michael was always willing to go the extra mile for those he loved.

He is survived by a loving family: Son, Hunter Vance (Sarah); Grandson, Stetson Hunter Vance; Fiancé, Denise Thornton; parents, Milton and Jeannie Vance; Sister, Ginger Vaughn (Wade); Nieces, Emma & Ellie Vaughn; Nephew, Eli Vaughn; Grandmother, Jean Jones; Aunt, Judy Moulds (Charles); Uncle, Jimmy Jones, and many cousins and friends.

He is preceded in death by his grandparents, Alton Hunter and Ludie Mae Vance, and grandfather, Jim Jones.

Pallbearers: Wade Vaughn, Reece Taylor, Ty Neal, Johnny Jones, Austin Thornton, Dr. Leslie Williams, and Kyle Strickland

Honorary Pallbearers: Henry Freeny, Bentley Strickland, David Lee Vance, Allen Moulds, Charles Moulds, Jesse Vance and John Allen

03/21/2026

Funeral Arrangements for Ms. Sara Munn are incomplete at this time.

03/21/2026

Services for Ms. Eula Spears will be held 2:00 p.m. Sunday, March 22, 2026 at Milling Funeral Home of Union. Bro. William Savell will officiate the service. Burial will be in New Ireland Cemetery.

Visitation will be held 1:15- 2:00 p.m., Sunday , March 22, 2026 at Milling Funeral Home of Union prior to chapel service.

Ms. Eula Spears, 101, passed away March 19, 2026.

Survivors:

2 Sons: Gary Spears (Patsy) and Ricky Spears (Diane)

3 Grandchildren: Brian Spears (Tiffany), Chris Spears (Melissa), Kayla Stephens (Mitchell)

4 Great- Grandchildren: Hunter Stephens, Tyler Spears (Sarah Beth), Laynee Spears and Keely Colby (Hayden)

Ms. Eula was also survived by numerous nieces and nephews.

Ms. Eula Spears is preceded in death by husband: Lain Spears who was a Disabled American Vet who also earned a Purple Heart.

Pallbearers: Chris Spears, Brian Spears, Tyler Spears, Mitchell Stephens, Hunter Stephens and TJ Jones.

03/21/2026

Funeral Arrangements for Mr. Michael Vance are incomplete at this time.

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