All Obituaries

Gezell was born in Lisman, Alabama, January 05, 1957, to the union of the late LeeVonia & Adell Dixon.  She confessed Christ at an early age. She leaves to cherish her memories:  a daughter Akilah (Renardo) Smith of Montgomery, AL; a son Hashim Dixon of Montgomery, AL; 4 grandchildren, Renardo G. Smith II, Kaleb A. Smith, Charity M. Smith, Alana N. Smith of Montgomery, AL; 2 grand-pups EB & Red; 2 sisters, Dorothy Dixon of Zion, IL and Joyce M. Dixon of Lisman, AL; 1...

Joseph Bush, 59 years young, of Yantley, AL, died on February 21, 2023. Jojo was born in Meridian, MS, at Saint Joseph Hospital on December 25, 1963, to the late Mary and Tobe Bush. He was so red with red hair that many of his siblings called him Fox. He grew up and lived his life to the fullest on Gamma Rd in Yantley, AL. He graduated from Choctaw County High School in Butler, AL, and went on to attend JobCorp, where he received his certificate in welding. He was a man who wore many hats,...

Felton Wallace was born December 29, 1947 to Deacon Curvin and Mae Holland Wallace.  He was called home on Friday, February 24, 2023 at Sumter Health and Rehab in York, AL. He was preceded in death by his parents, Curvin and Mae Holland Wallace; a son, Thomas Johnson; a granddaughter, Charlee Fenderson; and seven siblings. Felton joined Mt. Nebo Baptist Church at an early age.  He attended Choctaw County Training School in Lisman, AL.  As a teenager, he moved to Florida where...

Edna Mae Craig McRae was born August 24, 1942, to the late Lewis E. Craig and Monzellar G. Craig, who preceded her in death. She spent over 30 years with the Choctaw County Board of Education as a bus driver, custodian, and cafeteria worker.  She was also a beautician and certified nursing assistant. Edna was a beautiful person who always spoke her mind. She was passionate about cooking, fishing, and quilting.  She was also known near and far for her delicious...

Brother Samuel James Austin (SJ) was born June 26, 1924, in Lisman, AL to the late Agnes Austin and Thomas H. Edwards, Sr. He confessed Christ at an early age and joined Shiloh CME Church where he served faithfully as a member until his death. SJ was joined in matrimony to the late Callie Thomas Austin in 1947.  To this union they were blessed with three children, Aldridge G. Austin, Gail P. Watts, and Anita F. Austin. He was enlisted in the Army of the United States from June 17,...

Deacon Cornelius (Cardine) Bruton was born on January 7, 1964 in Lisman, Alabama.  He was born to the late Sis. Anna B. Bruton Ruffin.  “Brucat,” as he was affectionately called, gave his life to Christ at an early age, and was baptized at the Gilfield Missionary Baptist Church.  His priority was the Lord; this was evident in his prayers, (a mighty prayer warrior), and his work in the church. Deacon Cornelius served as Deacon, Usher and Laymen.  His love for...

Samuel Lee Jenkins was born to the late Frances C. Jenkins and the late Raymond Watkins on March 27, 1961.  He was raised by his mother and late step-father, Aaron Kennedy. He was baptized at Bethlehem Baptist Church, Miller, Alabama at an early age.  He later joined Christian Fellowship Baptist Church, under the leadership of Rev. Dr. Robert L. Webb, Sr. In 1989, he met the love of his life, Fannie.  They were joined in Holy Matrimony on June 30, 1995.   He is...

Donald Ray Leverett, Jr. was a loving son, brother, father, grandfather, uncle, and nephew. Our lives were forever changed, as our dearly loved, Don Jr, suddenly left this world on January 22, 2023 in Meridian, Mississippi. On March 20, 1982, Don was the first child born to Donald and Fannie Wallace Leverett, Sr. in Meridian, Mississippi. Donald joined the Pineville Missionary Baptist Church under the Pastoral Leadership of the late Reverend Odell Gray, Jr.  He was a graduate of...

Valerie Deneen Gaines Eddie was born to the late Bennie and Maggie Gaines on April 4, 1964. She joined St. Mary’s United Methodist Church at a young age, where she served as a faithful servant/member until her death on January 26, 2023. She was a daughter, a sister, a mother, an aunt, a niece, and a special friend.  She was loved by her family, friends, church, classmates, and the community. She was preceded in death by her sister, Christal D. McCauley. She leaves to cherish...

Sammie Lee Irby, affectionately known by many as “Sam”, “Sammie” and by his close friends and family as “ZooKeeper”, entered into eternal rest on Saturday, January 14, 2023 at his home in Yantley, Alabama. Sammie was preceded in death by his mother, Doris C. Irby, father, Raymond McDonald and sister, Geraldine Gulley.  Sammie accepted Christ at an early age and joined the Pleasant Hill Missionary Baptist Church in Yantley, Alabama. In life, Sammie...