Riverwood Family Funeral Services - Obituaries (2024)

April 5, 1959 – August 3, 2024

A memorial service for Sonja will be held Thursday, August 8, at 10:30 a.m., at Providence Baptist Church. You may pay your respects to the family beginning at 10 a.m. A small graveside service will follow. Riverwood Family is in charge of arrangements.

Sonja Marie DeWitt Grayson was born April 5, 1959 to Roscoe and Dixie DeWitt. Joining her older brother, Tommy, their family was complete. Born with grace and an extra dose of grit, there was never a question if a task would be completed, if Sonja was involved, she always gave her best with every endeavor she encountered. Sonja’s philosophy was to do a job that would make everyone, including yourself, proud.

In her early years, throughout college, and on into adulthood, Sonja was known for her outstanding athleticism. Whether on a softball field or the court of a gymnasium, Sonja was in her element and her talent shined. Sonja came to know Christ as a young girl, and even through the troubles and trials of life, she would return to seek the love and guidance of her Savior.

Sonja married Randy L. Grayson, Sr. on April 2, 1988. With their union, Sonja was blessed with Kristen, Randy Jr., and Brandy and she became “Mama Sonja”. Years later their family would be complete when Randy and Sonja’s son, Jordan DeWitt Grayson was born. At this time, Sonja would add the title of “Mama” to her ever-growing list, but this title was one she was beyond proud of. During her adult years, Sonja could be found in her community serving others. Whether it was coaching a ball team, serving through different avenues with her church family, or simply helping others; Sonja could be found exhibiting what it was to truly be the hands and feet of Christ.

Anyone that knew Sonja, knew three things about her. First, she was a true Ole Miss Rebel- through and through. Secondly, family was everything to Sonja. She stated on multiple occasions, “if you don’t have family, you don’t have anything”. This was evident in Sonja’s life as she was fiercely close to her cousins, so much that she was known as “Aunt Sonja” to all their children. Later in life, Sonja gained yet another title, “MawMaw”. This was by far her favorite title to date. Lastly, of all the titles she held- Mama, MawMaw, Rebel fan, Aunt, Sister, Cousin, Friend- there was one that she still held closest to her heart. Sonja was a child of God and she was quick to share her story with others. A story with a few bumps in the road, and even a few wrong turns; She was always fast to share her redemption story-one she credited her one and only Savior.

On August 3, 2024, Sonja was called into Glory, surrounded by her family at her own piece of Heaven on Earth- a small farm in Beat 3 she called home. While our hearts ache, we rejoice in the promise that she was greeted by Jesus and all the loved ones that went before her as well as the reassurance we will see her again one day.

Sonja DeWitt Grayson was preceded in death by her parents, Roscoe and Dixie DeWitt, and her brother, Tommy DeWitt.

Those left to cherish her memory include her husband, Randy Grayson Sr., her son, Jordan Grayson (Lindsey), stepchildren: Kristen Ready (Derek), Randy Grayson Jr., and Brandy Carney (Corey), 10 grandchildren, Hendrix Grayson, Myles Grayson, Macy Carney, Rylea Carney, Reagan Carney, Daytin Ready, Adley Ready, Caden Grayson, Claire Grayson, Callie Grayson; 2 great grandchildren, Kohen Grayson, Kollins Grayson and a host of special cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends.

“To be absent from the body, is to be present with the Lord.”

2 Corinthians 5:8

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The funeral service for Preston Eugene Jackson will be 10 a.m., Tuesday, August 6, at Riverwood Family with burial in Riverwood Memorial Park. Visitation is from 9 a.m. until the time of the service.

Mr. Jackson, 89, of Brookhaven, died August 1, 2024, at his residence. He was born in Rockford, AL, January 11, 1935, to Almon Dale Jackson and Carrie Giles Jackson.

Mr. Jackson served his country in the United States Navy during the close of the Korean War. After returning home he became a Civil Engineer and worked with the Highway Department until retirement. He was a member of First Baptist Church Brookhaven.

Among Mr. Jackson’s favorite things to do was line dancing. He also enjoyed being outdoors, hunting or gardening. He will be greatly missed by his family as well as the faith family at First Baptist.

He is preceded in death by his parents and his five brothers, Billie Jackson, Dale Jackson, Charles Jackson, Reuben Jackson, and Julian Jackson.

He is survived by his wife of eight years, Mattie Lea Jackson; children, Donald Jackson (Melissa), David Jackson (Becky), Dalina Jackson Kelley (Randall); seven grandchildren, Amber Johnson, Matthew McCain, Mandy Jackson, Adam Jackson, Brittney Boone, Jamie Boone, and Price Jackson. He is also survived by many great grandchildren and a host of other loving family members and friends.

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Angela Caye Spencer, 68, of Brookhaven, left her earthly home on July 31, 2024, surrounded by her family. She was born December 15, 1955, to Proby and Peggy Castilaw. Angie enjoyed her family and the friends that she made throughout her life. She was a devoted wife of 49 years, a loving mother, a sister, a cousin, and also a friend but she was happiest being “Nana”. The people who brought her the most joy and were the best part of life, according to her, were her 10 grandchildren.

She is preceded in death by her parents; her sisters, Carolyn Logan and Laurie Burnett; mother and father-in-law, Perry C. and Loretta Spencer; sister-in-law, Sue Errington; and her brother-in-law, Doyle Waldrop.

She is survived by her husband, Bruce Spencer; children, Casey Waldrop (Brad), Grant Spencer (Gayla), and Jessi Claire Stringer; grandchildren, Tanner (Carly), Emma and Payne Waldrop, Cole and Kyndal Spencer, Charli Jane, Kirtland, Abigail, Hank and Ada Perry Stringer; and sister, Iris Waldrop.

Friends and family are invited to gather and celebrate Angie’s life on August 3^rd, 2024, at Riverwood Family Funeral Service in Brookhaven MS. Visitation will begin at 9:00 AM with memorial service at 11:00 AM, and graveside services at Heuck’s Retreat Baptist Church to follow immediately after.

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A memorial service will be held for David Louis Scott, 3 p.m., Saturday, August 3, at Shiloh Baptist Church. Visitation is from 1-3 p.m.

Mr. Scott, 68, of Brookhaven, died July 11, 2024, at Silver Cross Nursing Home. He was born December 31, 1955, to Dan and Ruby Lee Byrd. David enjoyed being outdoors, hunting and fishing. He especially enjoyed spending time with his family and friends. He will be greatly missed by all who loved him.

He is preceded in death by his wife, Florence Scott; his parents; sister, Frances Johnson; and his grandfather, G.C. Scott.

He is survived by his sister, Sheila Ann Delaughter and a host of nieces, nephews and other loving family members and friends.

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Mr. Robert Everett Haas, 75, of Bogue Chitto, died July 30, 2024, at his residence. He was born in Dayton, OH, May 4, 1949, to Robert Oliver Haas and Wilma Jean Adkins Haas. He served his country in the United States Marines during the Vietnam War. After returning home from the war, Mr. Haas became an electrician and worked for many years in that industry.

He is preceded in death by his parents and two brothers, Larry A. Haas and Edward G. Haas.

Those left to cherish his memory are his wife of 49 ½ years, Nancy Hoover Haas; children, Amy Courtwright (Tony), Heath E. Haas, Josh A. Haas, Rebecca Moll (Roy), and Chase A. Haas; sisters, Cindy Buckmaster (Tom) and Debbie Rieselman; 15 grandchildren and 16 great grandchildren.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to Deaconess Hospice and Southwest Mississippi Regional Medical Center, nurses and staff, for their care and compassion for Mr. Haas during his illness.

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A memorial service will take place at Riverwood Funeral Service in Brookhaven, MS on Saturday August 24th, 2024. Visitation will be held at 2 pm and Memorial Service at 3 pm. Brenda wants you to wear bright colors!! Pastor Lonnie Case will officiate, and burial will take place at Ramah Baptist Church cemetery in McCall's Creek afterwards.

Brenda Carol Lofton Tasselli was born October 30, 1943, in Brookhaven MS and passed away on July 24, 2024, in Brookhaven MS. She was the daughter of Zack and Hazy Moak Lofton and the youngest of 10 children. Their home was in the McCall Creek area of West Lincoln County. Ramah Baptist Church is and was central to their community where many family members and ancestors are buried.

She graduated from West Lincoln High School in 1961. She kept up with some of her classmates from 63 years ago.

Brenda made her home in many places across the country during her life. She lived in Hickory, North Carolina,Dallas, Texas, Phoenix Arizona, Huntington Beach, CA and Loveland, Colorado before returning to Lincoln County in her last years.

Brenda was known for her spunk and quick wit. She loved to laugh and appreciated a good story. Her holiday decorations were always on target, and she celebrated every holiday with flourish. "Anything worth doing was worth over doing"

Her favorite sports teams were the Dallas Cowboys, second only to The Denver Broncos.

When asked what she enjoyed most in her life, she said that it was spending time with her family and friends. Her last years were spent at Diversicare in Brookhaven where she created yet another community of nurses and caregivers and other residents.

She is preceded in death by her parents: Zach and Hazy Lofton; Her Brothers and Sisters: Irene Lofton Brister (M.L. Brister), Joseph Thomas (J.T.) Lofton (Ruby Smith), James Allen Lofton (Gladys Smith),Shirley Lofton Whittington (W.A. Whittington), Agnes Marie Lofton (J.R. Moak, Doug Foreman Amolene Lofton, Mike Lofton (Patsy Cross), Peggy Omega Lofton (Ashford Impson); and her Children: J. Kevin Wilkinson, Susan Wilkinson Denison.

She is survived by her brother, Rev Pat Lofton (Annie Katherine Arnold); her daughter: Carolyn Wilkinson Sloan of Portland, OR; her Son in Law: Jeff Denison of Rapid City, SD; her grandchildren;Tyler Wilkinson of Boone NC, Logan Wilkinson of Port Washington WI ,Brody Wilkinson of Port Washington WI, Matthew Sloan (Taylor Reynolds) of Portland Oregon, Jordan Sloan of Portland Oregon; Kate Denison Lee (Ben Lee) Rapid City, SD

She loved her numerous nieces and nephews, and they loved her.

She had some significant friends that were a part of her life in her early years and in her later years. Sue Laird, Barto Laird, Deborah Allred, Chris Smith, and Ashley Newell, to name a few. The family wishes to thank them for their loving care.

In lieu of flowers, contributions to the perpetual upkeep of Ramah Baptist Church Cemetery Fund are requested. Checks can be sent to Ramah Baptist Church, 1455 Ramah Road, McCall's Creek, MS 39647 (Denote "Cemetery Fund " on the check).

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Jack Stanley Smith, Jr., 87, of Bogue Chitto, died July 29, 2024, at his residence. He was born February 24, 1937, to Jack Stanley Smith and Ethel Terry Smith.

He is survived by his wife, Mary Lee Bowman Smith.

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Sheila Mary Price Graves, aged 77, passed away peacefully on July 10^th, 2024, in Bossier City, Louisiana. Born with a heart full of kindness, Sheila dedicated her life to serving others, embodying the virtues of selflessness and generosity. She was a devout individual, always putting the needs of others before her own.

A loving family survives Sheila: her husband, John Graves: sons, John III (Amber) and Matthew (Tisa); Sheila was a cherished grandmother to Cody, Kyler, Kaden, Jack, River, Taylor and Madison and great-grandmother to James, Eren and Sage. Sheila's legacy also lives on through brother, Jerry (Cindy) and sisters, Bethany, Melanie, and Amy... and numerous cousins, nieces, nephews, and great nieces and great nephews, both here in the USA and abroad in England.

She is preceded in death by her parents Jack and Irene Price, brothers Robert Price and Bruce Price, sister Jenna Boyles and her beloved daughter, Emily Wicker.

Sheila had a vibrant passion for life, evident in her hobbies which included reading, painting, cooking, pottery, golf, beach trips and cruises, attending family events, caring for her much loved dogs Luka, Maggie, and grandpuppy Rocky. Each activity was a testament to her creativity and love for beauty in all its forms.

Friends and family are invited to gather and celebrate Sheila’s life on August the 3^rd, 2024 at Riverwood Memorial in Brookhaven MS. Visitation will be held from 12:00 to 2:00 PM, with memorial service to follow immediately after.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to St Jude Children’s Research Hospital in memory of Sheila Mary Price Graves. Donations can be made online at www.stjude.org/donate or by mail to 501 St Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105

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A Celebration of Life for Mr. Franklin Alfred Howington, Jr. will be Sunday, July 28, 2024, at Kingsborough Community Center from 12:00 – 2:00 pm. 502 Silver Cross Dr. in Brookhaven.

Mr. Howington, 44, passed away on July 22, 2024, at his home in Summit. He was born on February 21, 1980, in Iola MS, and grew up in Brookhaven, MS. Franklin graduated from Enterprise High School. He worked various jobs and was an avid fisherman. He loved to have fun and joke around.

Preceding him in death are his father, Alfred Howington, Sr., and mother, Margaret “Nanny” Howington.

Those left to cherish his memory are his mother, Joyce Yelm; siblings, Stevie Veltman and husband, Mike, Marie Alesich, Tammy Wilson and Nikki Pace and husband, Aric; his Aunt, Mary Gandy, Aunt Jackie Cheney, Aunt Margie Treadway, Aunt Tracy Wilder; his Uncle Alva Klucker and Uncle Mitchell Vowell; one nephew, six nieces, and numerous great nieces, nephews, and cousins.

The family would like to thank the Accent Care Home Heath of Brookhaven and Sheena Barnes, NP.

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A Graveside Service for Ms. Patsy Jean Wallace of Bogue Chitto is at 10:00 am Saturday, July 27, 2024, at Bethel Baptist Church Cemetery.

Visitation 5:00-7:00 pm, Friday, July 26, at Riverwood Family.

Patsy Jean Wallace, 89, passed away on July 25, 2024, at Kings Daughters Medical Center. She was born on February 6, 1935, to the late Edward Eugene Wallace and Ruby Mae McFadden Wallace.

Preceding her in death are her parents; sisters, Nellie Sasser and Ann Brown; brothers, J.B. Wallace, Maxie Wallace, and Carroll Wallace; nephew, Tommy Sasser (Annette) and great nephew, Gary Paul Sasser.

Those left to cherish her memory are her nephew, Steve Sasser (Gail), niece, Nancy Sasser Fenwick (Billy), great nephews, Stan Sasser (Tara), Will Fenwick (Jaime), Scott Sasser (Kristin) and great nieces, Kelly Fenwick and Heather Gault (Luke) along with a host of great-great nieces and nephews.

The family would like to thank the staff at KDMC and Trend and Heather Roberts, Home Health Nurse.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to BARL.

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