All Obituaries

Georgia Mae Gordon McRae was born June 5, 1931 to the late George Gordon and Clora Crowell, who preceded her in death. She was a beautiful soul, who accepted Christ at an early age, and joined Pleasant Hill Missionary Baptist Church in Yantley, Alabama.  She was a member of Brookins Chapter #166, and a model employee of Vanity Fair Mills in Butler, Alabama for 29 years. She was  preceded in death by her husband, Al Junior McRae; two sons, Alvin McRae and George McRae; five (5)...

Carnell Keeton, the daughter of the late Will and Lucy Ruffin began life’s journey on November 8, 1944 in Pushmataha, AL. At an early age, she confessed her life to Christ and joined Gilfield Missionary Baptist Church in Pushmataha, AL, where she served faithfully until her health declined. Carnell started her work career at Choctaw General as a cook but later had a passion to become a Certified Nursing Assistant.  For over forty years she worked for what would later become...

The late Sam Edward Ford was born on December 11, 1941 to the late Elliott Ford, Sr. and Willie Deola Helms-Ford in Lavaca, Alabama in Choctaw County. Sam was a resident of Lisman, Alabama.  He was granted eternal peace and comfort on Sunday, January 2, 2022 at Choctaw Health and Rehab facility. Sam was preceded in death by his parents, Elliott Ford, Sr. and Willie D. Helms-Ford; his brothers, Bobby James Ford, Elliott Ford, Jr., and Henry “June” Ford. Sam confessed...

Juanita was born on January 21, 1941 in Toomsuba, Mississippi to the union the late Wonnie “Sonny Boy” Harris Sr, and Sallie Brewster Harris.  Juanita is one of sixteen children that was born to this union.  She was often referred to as “Sug” because of her sweet and kind disposition. She completed her formal education at Lamar High School in 1957.  Shortly afterwards, in November 1960, she met her soul mate Otis Crowell and they were happily married...

Bro. Jackie Lee DeLoach was born May 27, 1953 in Riderwood, Alabama to the late Christine DeLoach and the late George Henry DeLoach Sr. Later on the late Isaiah Ruffin became a bonus dad to him.  He was raised by the late Fronnie Williams, his grandmother.  He stayed with is late grandparents Lee and Abbie Harbin.  He departed this life on December 20, 2021 at Choctaw Rehab. He served in the National Guard for 27 years after serving those years he retired.  He worked for...

Henry Milton Harbin, the eldest of ten children, born to the parentage of Deacon Ezell Pringle, Jr. and Sis. Willie Mae Pringle on March 20, 1962.  He departed his life on December 18, 2021. He joined the Pleasant Hill Baptist Church under the pastorage of the late Rev. Fred D. Chapman.  Even during his illness, Milton loved and kept the Faith in the Lord. Milton was educated in the Choctaw County Public School System, and later moved to New Orleans, Louisiana.  He later...

Classie Johnson Traylor was born on August 27, 1930, to the late Anthony and Rachel Johnson in Yantley, Alabama.  She was blessed to be the oldest of seven siblings. She met and married the late Marzine Traylor in 1948.  Of this union, three children were born:  Minnie, Ruby, and Willie (WC).  Her motherly instinct was strong as she played a huge part in raising her younger siblings as well as her own. Classie moved to Miami, Florida in 1958 with her family.  She...

Ben Allen Blakley, son of Pink and Alice Ruffin Blakley, was born on March 21, 1949, in Butler, Alabama. He was known as Bennie Blakley by family and friends. He departed this life on November 26, 2021 at home in Lisman, Alabama. Bennie was quiet but loved to laugh and make others smile. He enjoyed growing fruits and vegetables to share with family and friends. Bennie was blessed with a natural talent to di carpenter work, and he loved to hunt deer and other wildlife. Bennie will be...

Eliza Annette Johnson born in Yantley, Alabama (Choctaw nation) to the late Henry Johnson and Ejella Johnson, July 7, 1924 passed away November 3, 2021 Faithful Member of the Mount Zion Baptist Church for seventy years. She was a member of the Griffith Choir. She served on the Usher Broad as a member and president also, a devoted member of the Sunday school. She started her education at Kinterbish High School in Cuba, Alabama. She moved to Knoxville TN. After graduating from school in 1947....

 Marie Pringle Portis, the youngest of ten children, born to the late Oliver and Ora Mae Pringle on April 16, 1937, in Choctaw County Alabama.  She departed this life on November 1, 2021. She joined Pleasant Hill Baptist Church at an early age and remained faithful until she was no longer able to serve.  Marie loved Pleasant Hill and the late Reverend Fred Chapman with all her soul and heart. This love was demonstrated by serving as the President of the Pastor Aid Club for...