Riverwood Family Funeral Services - Obituaries (2024)

Funeral services for Ruth Marlene Dunn Rushing will be 11 a.m. Friday, January 12, at Johnson Grove Church of Christ with burial in the church cemetery. Visitation is from 5-9 p.m., Thursday, January 11, at the church and will resume Friday from 10 a.m. until the time of service.

Mrs. Rushing, 90, of Bogue Chitto, passed from this life January 9, 2024, in Brookhaven, MS. She was born in Bogue Chitto, December 24, 1933, to Charles Andrew Dunn and Eula Redd Dunn.

Marlene was born and raised in the Johnson Grove community in Lincoln County where she would live most of her 90 years. She graduated from West Lincoln High School in 1952. Her early adult life was a time of many trials. She once described this time as a “stepping stone of learning.” She worked at Stahl-Urban for nearly 17 years where she acquired many lasting friendships. Working full time and raising 3 children seemed overwhelming, but her dependance on God and the help of her loving mother, who cared for her children, made it possible for over 10 years.

She married Allen Rushing, and his three boys, in 1972. Next to God, her family was the focus of her life. She and Allen together had 6 children and bonded their family as one. The word “step” was never used and in Marlene’s heart did not exist.

Providing good memorable times for their children and grandchildren. Marlene continued that family atmosphere after Allen died in 2010. She was motivated by a deep love for every family member and that love spilled over to her church and community.

Cleaning the church, taking care of communion and handling a portion of the church bulletin helped her grow deep relationships with her church family.

She was famous for a community favorite, those chocolate pies. In addition, reading, quilting, and writing poems, short stories and articles, were her passions. She especially enjoyed writing community news for the newspaper.

She valued friendships and loved butterflies. If you ever wanted to lift her spirits, you could give her something with a butterfly on it and it brightened her day.

Sunsets, quite walks, and spending time with her Lord were paramount to her insights on life.

An ordinary person with an extraordinary heart, she lived a Christian example to all who knew her, yet giving God all the glory.

She is preceded in death by her husband, Allen O. Rushing; her parents; grandson, Scott Johnston; and a special sister-in-law, Edna Brown.

She is survived by her children, Sherry Jordan (Carlos), Kathi Easley (Roger), Scotty Johnston (Sondra), Darrell Rushing (Janis), Darrin Rushing (Joanie), and Doyle Rushing; 13 grandchildren, Chad Jordan (Amber), Dustin Jordan (Alison), Rod Easley, Corey Easley (Virginia), Keri Todd (Jarrett), Amber Haralson (John), Josh Rushing (Jillian), Blake Rushing, Karlee Gilbert (David), Kayla Beth Reno (Josh), Maggie Rushing, Brett Rushing (Jessica), and Erin Smithers (Bo); and 25 great grands. She is also survived by a special nephew, Maxie Brown, special nieces, Judy Hinton, Janice Thomas, and Donna Morgan Guy; and a special friend, Paulette Thomas, as well as many other loving family members and friends.

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A graveside service for Clara Belinda “Linda” Malone will be 1 p.m., Wednesday, January 10^th, at Riverwood Memorial Park.

Mrs. Malone, 73, of Brookhaven, died January 7, 2024, at Diversicare in Brookhaven, MS. She was born December 5, 1950, to Donald O. McIntyre and Mary Frances Blankenship McIntyre. She was a devoted mother to her two sons who precede her in death, John McDonald and Daniel McDonald.

She is also preceded in death by her husband, Patrick Malone and her parents.

She is survived by her four grandchildren; and by her sister, Mary McIntyre Price.

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A Memorial Gathering for Mr. Larry Joe Wilson, Sr. will be 5:00-7:00 pm, Wednesday, January 10, 2024, at Riverwood Family.

Mr. Larry Joe Wilson, Sr., 74, passed away January 5, 2024, at his residence.

He was born April 26, 1949, to the late George Buford Wilson and Ludie Mae Hall Wilson.

He served as a Military Police and Staff Sergeant in the United States Army.

Preceding him in death were his parents; brother, George Buford Wilson, Jr.; sisters, Eula Mae Kimble and Sherry Annette Wilson; his grandparents; daughter, Lora Ann McIntyre and granddaughter, Lauren Nicole McIntyre.

Those left to cherish his memory are his daughters, Vicky Jarreau, Belinda Tipton, Cheryl Decoursey and husband, Gary, Allaina Wilson, Amy Kyzar and husband, Dewayne, Daisha Mae McCullough and husband, Devin; sons, Joey Wilson and wife, Lee, Jason Wilson, Larry Joe Wilson, Jr. “Jody”, and his partner of 14 years, Anna Waller.

He is also survived by 19 grandchildren, Clyde Alexander III, David Malone (D.J.), Courtney Young, Joshua Kyzar, Heather Kyzar, Alex McIntyre, Olivia Wilson, Rhiannon Moses, Paul Jarreau III, Hannah Jarreau, Dawson Wilson, Jasmine McCurdy, John McCurdy, Jacob McCurdy, Sebastian White, Sadi Tipton, Connor DeCoursey, Madison DeCoursey and Remmie Wilson. Along with 13 great grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews and family and friends.

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Mary Annie Freeman Townsend, 80, of Monticello, MS, passed away January 7, 2024, at her residence. She was born September 27, 1943, to Willie Clarance Freeman and Mary Jewel Higgins Freeman. She worked as a Security Guard with Weyerhaeuser for many years.

She is preceded in death by her husband, Glen Townsend; her parents; brother, Walter “Sonny” Freeman; grandson, Branson Cole Buchanan; and great grandson, Stetson Wade Padgett.

Those left to cherish her memory are her children, Tod Townsend (Jennifer), Deirdre Buchanan (Bubba), and Shawna Padgett (Woody); brothers, Lynn Freeman (Sandra) of Paragould, AR, C.B. Jones (Juanita) of Dumas, AR; sisters, Betty Sue Whitt (Wayne) of Cabot, AR, and Ruth Ellen Henderson (Sam) of Heber Springs, AR. She is also survived by ten grandchildren, Jake Waldrop (Alisha), Hope Gatlin (Eli), Michael Waldrop (Amber), Jade Padgett (Jeffery), Hanna Rippy, Sierra Stephens (Ben), Megan Skinner (Kaleb), Zackary Townsend, Bret Padgett (Demy), and Ryan Welther (Tiffany); 13 great grandchildren and a host of other loving family members and friends.

A Memorial service will be held at a later date.

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Services for Mr. Larry Kent Lambert of Monticello are 12:00 pm Tuesday, January 9, 2024, at Monticello United Methodist Church in Monticello and visitation from 10:00 until the time of service. Burial will be at Divide Methodist Protestant Church Cemetery.

Mr. Larry Kent Lambert, 78, passed away January 3, 2024, at St Dominics in Jackson.

He was born on July 5, 1945, to the late Maxie and Joyce Lambert.

Mr. Lambert was a member of AA for 39 years. He graduated at age 54 with a degree in Physics from Jackson State University and was a DJ with WDRO 101.3. He was also an active member of the Lawrence County Historical Society

He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Joan Stephens and son, Mark Lambert.

Those left to cherish his memory are his children, Adam Lambert, Chris Lambert, Cindy Lambert and Lawana Morris. He is also survived by his 11 grandchildren and 16 great grandchildren.

He will be missed by all that loved him.

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The funeral service for William Henry “Billy” Covington will be 10 a.m., Saturday, January 6, at Riverwood Family with burial in Union Church Cemetery. Visitation is from 5-8 p.m., Friday, January 5, at Riverwood Family and will resume from 9 a.m. until the time of service Saturday.

Mr. Covington, 91, of Union Church, passed away January 2, 2024, at his residence. He was born March 21, 1932, to Lee Henry Covington and Ethel Katherine McCall Covington.

Mr. Billy served his country in the United States 82^nd Airborne Division during the Korean War. He was employed by the U.S. Army Corp of Engineers, and he also worked at Texas Eastern Transmission Corporation. He was the manager of Southwest Livestock Producers Association in Lorman, MS. He was a cattleman for 82 years.

He is preceded in death by his wife, Veta Grace Smith Covington; his parents; brother, Frank Covington; and sisters, Mildred King and Janice Chandler.

He is survived by his children, Dwayne Covington (Sharon), Kendall Covington (Jennifer), Cliff Covington (Angela), and Gary Covington (Lisa); eight grandchildren, Casey Covington, Cody Covington, Steven Covington, Caleb Covington, Anna Grace Covington, Allison Covington, Kensy Covington, and Jessi Covington; and six great grandchildren, Peyton Covington, Madison Covington, Mason Covington, Mitchell Covington, Kendall Covington, and Charlie Covington. He is also survived by other loving family members and friends.

He was an avid supporter of Brookhaven Academy. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Brookhaven Academy, 943 Brookway Blvd Extension, Brookhaven, MS 39601.

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The funeral service for Bonnie Faye Chance will be 2:30 p.m., Tuesday, January 2, at Riverwood Family with burial in Mission Hill Baptist Church Cemetery. Visitation is from 12:30 p.m. until the time of the service.

Mrs. Chance, 85, of Wesson, passed away December 31, 2023. She was born in Sontag, MS, May 26, 1938, to James Estes White and James Bertie White.

She was a student and 8^th grade Valedictorian at Monticello Jr. High. She was a dedicated team player with the Monticello Red Devils. Standing only 5’2”, she lettered in the sport she loved. Her coach would have to pick her up for some games when she didn’t have a way to get there. She would always say she went to school to play basketball. She spent her career in the clothing industry, she retired being self-employed for 10 or more years as Chance Apparel.

Bonnie was a sports enthusiast. Softball was a favorite game for her. She played catcher for Hilltop and not many got by her at home plate. She also played on an adult league basketball team and formed a volleyball team at Mr. T’s Apparel.

She gave 100% to everything she put her hand or mind to. She never allowed herself or her family to have a “sick day”. When she received her fibrosis diagnosis, she asked the doctor, “when can I return to work?” That was her.

She is preceded in death by her husband, Gerald Chance; her parents; brothers, Ben White and J.E. “Brother” White, Jr.; sister, Maxine Purser; sisters-in-law, Tama Chance, Lavon White, and Carolyn White; andbrothers -in-law Charles Terry, Hubert Yates and B F Purser.

She is survived by her children, Randy Chance, Pam Chance Stamps (Ken), and Greg Chance (Patsy); sister, Betty Terry; six grandchildren, Kenny Stamps (Randi Gail), Jamie Stamps, Emma Stamps Dale (Lance), Kaden Stamps, Aubrey Chance (Tori), Abby Chance; three great grandchildren; and caregiver and friend, Brenda Tarver. She is also survived by a host of other loving family members and friends.

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The funeral for Sean Clayton Powell will be 11 a.m., Tuesday, January 2 at Riverwood Family with interment in Riverwood Memorial Park. Visitation is from 5-8 p.m., Monday, January 1, at Riverwood.

Mr. Powell, 54, of Brookhaven passed away December 29, 2023, at his residence. He was born July 14, 1969, to Clayton Hughes Powell, Jr. and Particia Darlene Bartow Powell. He was assistant operator at Georgia Pacific. He was a 1987 graduate of Brookhaven High School and attended Copiah Lincoln Community College. He was baptized and became a member of Clear Branch Baptist Church, August 2009. Sean was an avid Tennessee Vol fan, cheering them on every game. He also loved hunting, fishing and spending time with his family and friends. He will be greatly missed by all who loved him.

Sean is preceded in death by his parents, Clayton Hughes Powell, Jr. and Particia Darlene Powell; brother, Ryan Powell; and grandparents, Darwin and Virginia Bartow and C.H. and Cornelia Powell.

Those left to cherish his memory are his fiancé, Kala Adams and her son, Nick Burns (Maggie); brother, Chris Powell (Amy) of Hernando, MS; three nieces, two nephews, and his fur baby, Buddy. He is also survived by a host of uncles, aunts, and other loving family members and friends.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital, PO Box 1000, Dept 142, Memphis, TN 38148-0142.

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The funeral service for Tommy Marcus Givens will be 11 a.m., Tuesday, January 2, at Bethel Baptist Church in Monticello, with burial in the church cemetery. There will be a time of visitation, Monday evening, January 1, from 5-8 p.m., at Bethel and will resume from 10 a.m. until the time of the service on Tuesday.

Mr. Givens, 71, of Monticello, died December 29, 2023, at his residence. He was born in Monticello March 8, 1952, to Marcus and Audine Givens.

Mr. Givens was retired from the construction business and spent his days enjoying the beauty of God’s creation. He often liked to hunt, fish, and do woodworking projects, but also enjoyed just sitting on the porch, drinking a cup of coffee, and watching his friends and neighbors pass by. He was a loving husband, father, and grandfather, and he was able to enjoy seven great grandchildren as well. He will be missed by all who loved him.

He is preceded in death by his parents and one brother, Jimmy Givens.

Those left to cherish his memory are his wife of 50 years, Shirley Ann Givens; children, Michelle Watts (Hugh), and Luke Givens (Bonita); brother, Debo Givens; sisters, Kay Alexander and Cathy Killingsworth; seven grandchildren, Shelby Russell (Ben), Stetson Langley (Ashlyn), Marcey Brown (Marshall), Megan Lang (Brennan), Saydie Nations (Brantley), Sara Watts, Brittany Lott (Brent); eight great grandchildren, Everleigh, Keegan, Karson, Huston, Auston, Cayden, Marshall Paul, and Carson, and expecting in 2024, Mayleigh and Waylon; he is also survived by other loving family members and friends; Kandi Tanksley and sons, Karter, Wylder, and Kooper, and Eden and Eli Vaughn.

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Funeral service for Barbara Ann Whisenant Lambert will be Noon, Monday, January 1, 2024, at Pleasant Grove Methodist Church, with burial in the church cemetery. Visitation is from 10 a.m. until the time of the service.

Mrs. Lambert, 86, of Monticello, MS, died December 29, 2023, at Lawrence County Nursing Center in Monticello. She was born in Winona, MS, October 18, 1937, to Percy Whisenant and Eliza Ann Nolan Whisenant. She was a loving wife, mother, and grandmother. Mrs. Lambert worked for many years from her home.

She is preceded in death by her parents; her daughter, Peggy Calder; sisters, Dorothy Adair and Francine Chambers; and brother, Thomas Whisenant.

She is survived by her husband of 65 years, Laverne Lambert; children, John Lambert (Linda), Tony Lambert (Alesa); four grandchildren, Tony Lambert II, Craig Lambert, Mindy Shirley, and Landon Lambert (Brittany); two devoted nieces, Becky Boysen and Debbie Martin. She is also survived by a host of other loving family members and friends.

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