Obituaries

Billy Ray (B.R.) Lang, 84, of Crystal Springs, died peacefully at his home on March 4, 2023, surrounded by family members. He was born on May 24, 1938, to Arthur S. Lang and Mamie L. Lang in Simpson County. Mr. Lang was a retired electrician and for more than 60 years served as a proud…

Lorraine Brown Sanders, 86, passed away Feb. 27, 2023. A funeral service was held March 4 at House of Peoples Funeral Home Chapel, with interment at Mississippi Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Newton. Survivors include her daughter, Cynthia Rivers; two grandchildren; and sisters, Cleo, Donna, Delores, and Barbara.

James Byron Paul Jr., of Crystal Springs, passed away to be with his Savior on Feb. 19, 2023. A graveside service was held Feb. 24 at Poplar Springs Cemetery in Crystal Springs. Stringer Family Funeral Home in Crystal Springs handled arrangements. James was born on June 22, 1958. He worked for many decades before becoming…

Nancy Patricia Ray, 62, of Wesson, passed away Feb. 21, 2023. Stringer Family Funeral Home in Hazlehurst handled arrangements. Nancy was a native of Baton Rouge, La. She had lots of friends from Walmart in Hazlehurst and Dirt Cheap. She enjoyed crafts and helping others. She was preceded in death by her mother, Isabel Griffin…

Donald Dean “Andy” Anderson, of Brandon, passed away peacefully on Feb. 12, 2023. A funeral service was held Feb. 17 at Stringer Family Chapel, with burial at Hazlehurst Cemetery. Andy was born March 10, 1932, in Galesburg, Ill. After traveling the world during his 24 years in the U. S. Air Force, Andy retired in…

Estelle Ashley, 92, of Hazlehurst, passed peacefully into eternity Feb. 15, 2023. She was preceded in death by her husband, E.D. Ashley Jr.; and son, Barry Ashley. She is survived by daughter, Janie; and son, Buster (Judy), both of Hazlehurst; one brother, Henry Prisock (Patsy), of Florence; two sisters, Thelma Pyron (Jim), of Florence; Faye…

Jasmine Deshawn Harris, 31, passed away Feb. 8, 2023. A funeral service was held Feb. 18 at Hazlehurst Funeral Home Chapel. Survivors include her father, Demetrius Watson; and brother, Courtney Harris.

Joseph Earl (Joe) Martin, 59, passed away Feb. 3, 2023. A funeral service was held Feb. 11 at Antioch M.B. Church in Hazlehurst, with interment at Greater Damascus Church of Christ (Holiness) USA. Hazlehurst Funeral Home handled the arrangements. Survivors include his daughters, Ashley Adams, Jasmine Bozeman, and Cerria Keys; son, Tevin Bozeman; four granddaughters;…

Dr. John McNair, of Crystal Springs, passed away Feb. 12, 2023. He was 77 years old. John was a graduate of Clinton High School, Hinds Junior College, Mississippi State University, and Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine. He practiced in Nashville for several years before moving back to Mississippi. He later took a job with…