Obituaries

Louis Frank Neely, 79, passed away peacefully on Jan. 9, 2025, in his home in Hazlehurst. Frank was a beloved husband, father, friend, and servant of God, known for his dry wit and generous heart. His life was dedicated to his family and his faith, and he loved his wife Charlotte with fierce devotion. Born…

Justin Keefe Bradley, 39, of Crystal Springs, passed away at home on Dec. 31, 2024. Born on Nov. 6, 1985, at Hardy Wilson Memorial Hospital, Justin was a loving father, son, brother, uncle, and friend whose gentle and kind spirit touched the lives of all who knew him. Justin spent his early years in Crystal…

Scott Baker Morse, 53, of Hazlehurst, died Jan. 5, 2025, at Copiah County Medical Center in Hazlehurst. He was born in Putnam, Conn., on July 25, 1971, to Russell Edwards Morse Sr. and Carolyn Anne Baker Morse. Scott was an accomplished carpenter and could build anything he set his mind to. He was a hard-working…

Russell Wayne Papizan, 77, passed on Jan. 5, 2025, in his Crystal Springs home where he lived for 46 years. He is survived by his sister, Patricia Barnes; brother, James Papizan; nieces, Velva Childress, Katie Ross, and Jeanie Craft; and nephews, Tim Papizan, Kurt Moeller, and David Myers. Born to parents Wilmer and Nannie Papizan,…

Hal Stephen Richardson, 68, of Hazlehurst, passed away Jan. 3, 2025, at his home in Madison after a short battle with re-occurring pancreatic cancer. Hal was born on Sept. 23, 1956; the only child of Julia Ancaroni Richardson and Henry Propst “Rich” Richardson. Hal graduated from Copiah Academy and obtained his degree from Mississippi State…

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Larry Roberts (Too Short), retired first sergeant, Mississippi Army National Guard, on Nov. 24, 2024, at the age of 79. Larry was born in Copiah County on April 11, 1945, to his parents, RL (Buster) and Allie Rae (Strong) Roberts. Throughout his military career…

O.A. Sykes passed peacefully at home on Jan. 2, 2025. Visitation will be from 10 to 11 a.m., Monday, Jan. 6, at Stringer Family Funeral Home in Crystal Springs. The service will be 11 on Monday at Stringer Family Chapel, with burial at Harmony Cemetery. Mr. Sykes was born in 1935. He graduated from Crystal…

A graveside service for Gerald Watson Lambert, of Wesson, is at 10 a.m., Thursday, Jan. 2, 2025, at Beauregard Memorial Cemetery. The visitation will be from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. at Riverwood Family. Mr. Lambert, 85, was born on Nov. 24, 1939, in Monticello to the late Ellis Watson Lambert and Rosa Leigh Boyte. He…

Carlene Grantham Ainsworth, 93, passed away peacefully at her home on Dec. 8, 2024.  A funeral service was held Dec. 11 at First Baptist Church, Crystal Springs, with interment following at Crystal Springs City Cemetery. Rev. Chris Teasley and Dr. Stan Weatherford officiated. Mrs. Ainsworth was born Aug. 24, 1931, in Crystal Springs to Carl…

James Monroe Kelly, of Crystal Springs, passed away on Dec. 14, 2024. He was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather which gave him the determination and courage to fight Parkinson’s disease that ultimately led him to be with his Lord and Savior. Jim is survived by his wife of 54 years, Edith Margaret Holt Kelly;…