OBITUARIES
Recent obituaries in Brandon, Forest, Morton Mississippi
The obituaries in the Brandon, Forest, and Morton area reflect the region's diverse population, featuring individuals from a variety of ethnic, religious, and cultural backgrounds. Some were pioneers in their fields, while others dedicated their lives to community service or philanthropy.
Juan Alberto Jiguan
Jan 8, 2026
Mr. Juan Jiguan passed away on January 9, 2026, in Mobile, Alabama. The family will hold a memorial service at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, January 30, at St. Michael's Catholic Church in Forest. A viewing will be held on Sunday from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Ott and Lee Funeral Home in Morton, Mississippi. Mr. Jiguan will depart...
Linda Sue Layton
Jan 29, 2026
Linda Sue Layton, aged 75, passed away on Thursday, January 29, 2026, in Brandon, Mississippi. Born on January 31, 1950, in Independence, Louisiana, she was a devoted member of her community and a beloved family member.
For many years, Linda served as the cafeteria manager for the Rankin County School District. Following her retirement, she dedicated over 20 years as a...
Robert B. McKnight, Jr.
Jan 27, 2026
Robert B. McKnight Jr., age 77, passed away peacefully on January 27, 2026, in Oxford, Mississippi. He was born on March 5, 1948, in Jackson, Mississippi.
Robert is survived by his loving wife, Jan McKnight, and his children: Brad McKnight (Jen) and their sons Luke and Colton; Brian McKnight; Molly Sullivan (Tom) and their sons Cooper, McCann, and Baker; and Jeff...
Maria Melania Woods
Jan 30, 2026
Maria Melania Woods, a beloved wife, mother, and friend, passed away on January 30, 2026, in Flowood, Mississippi. Born on April 5, 1983, in Romania, Mel had a vibrant spirit that touched the lives of many.
She graduated with an engineering degree from the University of Transylvania, a testament to her dedication and hard work. Alongside her husband, James Andrew "Andy"...
Jimmy "Steve" Toney
Jan 30, 2026
Jimmy Steven Toney, age 55, of Pelahatchie, MS went to be with his Lord and Savior January 30, 2026 after a short illness. He passed away at home surrounded by loved ones. He was born June 6, 1970 at Morton, MS.
Steve will be remembered for his kindness to all but especially his nieces and nephews, to whom he was very...
Bethany Lynn Burkes
Jan 16, 2026
Our beloved mother, Bethany Lynn Burkes of Brandon, MS., passed away peacefully at the age of 66, on January 16, 2026. Born April 12, 1959 to Gilbert and Connie Burkes. Originally from Clinton, MS., Bethany was incredibly involved in school activities and always made friends easily; she was athletic, both a cheerleader and a basketball player; she always said the...
John Douglas Denton
Jan 29, 2026
John Douglas Denton, affectionately known as Doug, was born on June 5, 1956, in Jackson, Mississippi. He left this world on January 29, 2026, where he made a profound impact through his work, hobbies, and friendships.
Doug dedicated many years of his life to the MS State Hospital, where he served as a skilled heavy equipment operator and maintenance worker. His...
Georgianne Marie Delaney
Jan 28, 2026
Georgianne Marie "Georgia" Delaney, 72, passed away peacefully on January 28, 2026, in Florence, Mississippi. Born on April 13, 1953, in Chicago, Illinois, Georgia brought warmth and creativity into the lives of those around her throughout her life.
A gifted artist from a young age, Georgia found joy in drawing and sewing—expressions of her vibrant imagination and attention to detail. Her...
Dawn Hall Smith
Jan 27, 2026
Dawn Hall Smith, 66, passed away on January 27, 2026, and went home to join the love of her life, her husband Murrel, once again. Born on May 5, 1959, in Magee, Mississippi, to Bobby Royce Hall and Jackie Nell Sullivan, Dawn later grew up in Pearl, Mississippi as the oldest of four girls.
Dawn lived an adventurous life, a spirit...
Willie Mae Wigley Schoeber
Jan 25, 2026
In Loving Memory of
Willie Mae Wigley Schoeber January 8, 1939 – January 25, 2026
Early Sunday morning, January 25, 2026, our family said goodbye to our beautiful Mother and Mimi, Willie Mae Wigley Schoeber. Born on January 8, 1939, she was the beloved daughter of Bertha Mae Keith Wigley and William Wigley.
Shortly after Christmas, she was hospitalized with pneumonia, and soon...
Irene Martin
Jan 24, 2026
Irene Burnham Martin
June 19, 1936 – January 24, 2026
Our beloved Irene Martin of Forest, Mississippi, went to be with the Lord at the age of 89, on January 24, 2026.
Irene was born in the early hours of June 19, 1936, in Pleasant Valley, her family’s long-time home near the Steele community. She was the seventh of eight children. Irene was...
Albert Lamar Robertson
Jan 22, 2026
Albert Lamar Robertson, 93, of Brandon, MS, passed away on January 22, 2026, at home surrounded by family. Visitation will be held on Thurs. Jan. 29, 2026 from 10am-12pm at Ott & Lee Funeral Home in Brandon, MS. Funeral services will be held at 12pm on Thurs. Jan. 29, 2026 at the Ott & Lee Funeral Home Chapel in Brandon,...
Lydia Irby Johnson
Jan 20, 2026
Lydia Irby Johnson, a beloved educator and cherished family member, passed away on January 20, 2026, after courageously battling cancer.
She was born on September 21, 1948, in Canton, MS. She was a devoted wife, loving mother and proud grandmother. She dedicated 20 years of her life to shaping young minds as an elementary school teacher at Black Mountain Primary School...
Linda Burrage Griffith
Jan 19, 2026
Linda Burrage Griffith, age 73, passed away on Monday, January 19, 2026, in Jackson, Mississippi, surrounded by her loving family. Visitation will be held on Thursday, January 22, 2026, at Ott & Lee Funeral Home in Brandon from 10:00 until 11:00 am, with the funeral service beginning at 11:00 am in the chapel. She will be laid to rest in...
Madge R. Duke
Jan 17, 2026
Madge R. Duke, 94, passed away on Sat. Jan. 17, 2026, at The Arbor in Ridgeland, MS. Visitation will be held on Tues. Jan. 20, 2026, from 12:30pm-2pm at Ott & Lee Funeral Home in Brandon, MS. Graveside Services are 2:30pm on Tues. Jan. 20, 2026, at Brandon Memorial Gardens in Brandon, MS.
Mrs. Duke was born on March 13, 1931,...
Michael Kuriger
Jan 16, 2026
Michael Borsig Kuriger, born March 15, 1948, to Joseph and Barbara Kuriger, passed away on January 16, 2026, at home, surrounded by love, with his daughter and his beloved dogs by his side.
Mike was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 50 years, Brenda Holmes Kuriger, whose memory he carried with him always.
He is survived by his daughter, Heather...
Michael Dempsey Poff
Jan 16, 2026
Michael Dempsey Poff, who was born on October 18, 1955, in Memphis, TN, passed away on January 16, 2026, in Brandon, MS. He enjoyed a long and fulfilling career, retiring from Walmart several years ago, where he served on the management team.
Michael was a man of many passions and a kind heart. He loved playing his guitar and was always...
Trevor Michael Woods
Jan 16, 2026
Trevor Michael Woods, age 38, of Brandon, passed away peacefully at his home on January 16, 2026, after a courageous battle with cancer. Trevor was born on February 13, 1987, in Jackson to Michael Travis and Joy (Gladney) Woods. He was their second son, born just one year after his older brother, Travis, who was like a twin to him....
Jennifer Ann Butler
Jan 16, 2026
Jennifer Ann Butler, born on July 1, 1974, in Kosciusko, MS, passed away on January 16, 2026, in Jackson, MS. She worked with the Rankin County School District and cherished her work family, looking forward to seeing and working with everyone each day.
Jennifer was known for her love of her dog, Highland Cows, pickles, and her Mustang. She leaves behind...
David Keith Stribling
Jan 15, 2026
David Keith Stribling, age 73, a native of Pearl, Mississippi, passed peacefully at his home on January 15, 2026. David is now in the presence of his Lord.
He earned a Bachlor’s degree in Psychology from the University of Southern Mississippi after attending Pearl High School and graduating from Council McCluer in 1970.
He retired from AT&T after 32 years of service....
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