In Loving Memory

Mary Lizzie Strickland, 93, was born on July 1, 1926 to the late George and Francis Williams in Benton County, MS. She departed her earthly life on July 11, 2019 at Ashland Health and Rehab in Ashland, MS. Mrs. Strickland accepted Jesus Christ at an early age and became a member of Shiloh M.B. Church in Ashland, MS. She served on the Usher Board for many years. She was preceded in death by: her husband, Harvey Strickland, Sr.; her father, George Williams; her mother, Francis Williams; her...

Sammy Gene Johnson, 65, was born on May 29, 1954 to General and the late Gladys Johnson. He departed his earthly life on May 29, 2019 at Diversicare in Ripley, MS. Mr. Johnson married Clara March and they had three sons. He was a very quiet person and kept to himself. He worked at Biltrite for many years. He leaves to cherish his memories: three sons: Erick (Melba) Johnson of Ripley, MS, Sammy (Mildred) Johnson Jr. of New Albany, MS, and Travis Johnson of New Albany, MS; sister, Lillie...

Dorothy S. Simelton, 90, was born on March, 16, 1929 to the late Dave and Maude Hill Smith. Mrs. Simelton transitioned to be with the Lord on May 16, 2019 at her home in Blue Mountain, MS. Mrs. Simelton was a very respected and educated individual. She attended Line Street School. Later, she received her Bachelor of Science in Education from Rust College and a Master of Arts in Education from the University of Mississippi. Also, she attended Foster’s Cosmetology. Mrs. Simelton was an...

Juanita Thomas, 90, was born on October 28, 1928 to the late Fred Griffin and Ethel Braddock. She departed her earthly life on April 24, 2019 at Baptist Memorial Hospital in New Albany, MS. Throughout her life, Juanita was an active member of Adkins Chapel.  She was a graduate of Rust College. Juanita was a “people person” and she loved to share. If anyone needed anything, she was more than willing to lend a helping hand. She loved to share stories about life and events....

Roderick D. Rogan, 44, was born on September 16, 1974 to Linda Kay Rogan and John D. Jackson. He was raised in Ripley, MS by his mother Linda Rogan Simpson and her husband Paul Simpson, Sr. He went home to be with the Lord on April 24, 2019 at his home in Indianapolis, IN. Roderick was very kind and he loved life. He loved all of his family dearly. During his illness, he never complained. He always had a smile on his face and a kind word to say to everyone. Roderick loved sports and...

Mr. Joe M. Edgeston, 76, was born on September 5, 1942 to the late Hershel and Bertese Crum Edgeston in Ripley, MS. He departed his earthly home on April 24, 2019 at Sanctuary Hospice in Tupelo, MS. Mr. Edgeston attended school in Ripley, MS. He was a devout Jehovah Witness. Throughout his life, he was a hard worker and he retired as a GM. He loved to build, fish, hunt, and cook. He loved his family and his “class clown” personality would light up any room. He leaves to cherish...

Mason Jorrence  Storey, Age 2, was born on November 28, 2016 to Jessie Dewayne Storey and Terri Jacquline Storey. He departed his earthly home on April 19, 2019 at Tippah County Hospital in Ripley, MS. He leaves to cherish his memories:  parents, Jessie Dewayne Storey and Terri Jacquline Storey; siblings, Precious Prather, Tajesston Storey, Shakira Storey, Jayceon Storey; niece, Alaya Thomas; and a host of cousins, family, and friends. Graveside service will be held Friday, April...

Deacon Edward L. Black, 58, was born on June 16, 1960 to the late Hurbert and Louise Black, Sr. in Ripley, MS. Deacon Black gained his wings on April 13, 2019 at Baptist Memorial Hospital in New Albany, MS. He departed his life being faithful, humble, and a loving family man. All during his illness, he continued to encourage everyone he came in contact with. He accepted Christ at an early age and joined St. John Baptist Church. In 1993, he became a faithful deacon until death. He loved his...

William M. Spight, 81, was born on September 23, 1937 to General Beauregard and Della Foster Spight.  He departed his earthly home on April 4, 2019 at Tippah County Hospital in Ripley, MS. William attended St. Matthew Community Grade School.  He graduated from Line Street High School in 1956.  He went on to serve 4 years in the United States Air Force.  While in the Air Force he worked as a Jet Mechanic in Panama City, Florida and Air Defense Headquarters Air Force...

Michael Lee Ratliff, 61, was born on April 12, 1957 to the late Charlie Ratliff and Nettie Lee Hodo in Corinth, MS. He departed this life on April 4, 2019 at North Mississippi Medical Center in Tupelo, MS. At the age of two, he came to live with Bilbo and Mattie Horston Prather of Tiplersville, MS. He attended the Ruckersville School System and later attended Falkner School System. At an early age he joined the Bethlehem Missionary Baptist Church. He worked at several factories in Tippah...