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.
William "Will" Noah Merritte
Mar 29, 2026
William Noah “Will” Merritte, 19, passed away peacefully on March 29, 2026. He was born on June 5, 2006, to parents Billy Merritte and Kristin Kirby and big sister Elizabeth Merritte, and from the very beginning he brought joy, laughter, and a bright, unmistakable spirit into the world.
Will attended Park Place Christian Academy from kindergarten through his graduation in 2024....
Ralph Kearney Hall
Mar 30, 2026
Ralph Kearney Hall, 81, passed away on Monday, March 30,2026, in Flowood, Mississippi. He was preceded in death by the love of his life, Betty Helen Clark Hall ("Nana"); his parents, Kearney and Gertrude Hall; his son-in-law, Jonathan Summerlin; and his niece, Lori Harvey. He is survived by his daughters, Becky Russell (Bill) and Missy Summerlin; his granddaughters, Bekah King...
Gene Wallace
Mar 30, 2026
Gene Wallace, born on January 24, 1958, in Los Angeles, California, passed away peacefully at his home in Forkville, Mississippi, on March 30, 2026. He lived a life marked by hard work, dedication, and the forming of meaningful connections wherever he went.
Gene was a truck driver for many years, a profession that took him across the country to places such...
Betty Jean Means
Mar 31, 2026
Betty Jean Means, 87, passed away on Tues. March 31, 2026 at St. Dominics Hospital in Jackson, MS. Visitation will be held on Fri. April 3, 2026 from 12pm-2pm at Ott & Lee Funeral Home in Brandon, MS. Funeral Services are 2pm on Fri. April 3, 2026 at the Ott & Lee Funeral Home Chapel with burial to follow in...
Wilbur Franklin Massey
Mar 30, 2026
Wilbur Franklin Massey
Brandon, MS
Wilbur Franklin Massey, Brandon, MS, also affectionately known to friends and family as TUF, passed away on Monday, March 30, 2026. He was born April 28, 1939, in Scott County, Mississippi. He was the second son of four of the late, Wilbur Ad Massey and Ruby Burns Massey. He was preceded in death by both of his...
Rebecca Dean "Becky" Boyd
Apr 1, 2026
Rebecca Dean “Becky” Boyd, 72, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, April 1, 2026, at Mississippi Baptist Medical Center in Jackson, MS. Her family finds comfort in knowing she lived a life full of love, kindness, and quiet strength.
Visitation will be held on Saturday, April 4, 2026, from 9:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Ott & Lee Funeral Home in Brandon,...
Dallas Ray Fitzhugh
Mar 31, 2026
Dallas Ray Fitzhugh, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and decorated veteran, passed away on March 31, 2026 in Jackson, Mississippi. Born on December 25, 1956, in Attala County, Mississippi, Dallas lived a life marked by dedication to his family, his country, and his many passions.
Dallas proudly served his nation with distinction during the Vietnam War, where he was a radio...
Brent Alan Walters
Mar 12, 2026
Brent Alan Walters was born on May 9, 1969, and passed away on March 12, 2026, at his home in Denver, Colorado. He was a kind and warm person, remembered for his smile that could light up any room and his laugh that was contagious. Brent always made sure to stay connected with his friends throughout his life.
Brent grew up...
Reed Thomas Nunnelee
Mar 31, 2026
Reed Thomas Nunnelee, 41, of Flowood, Mississippi, went to be with the Lord on March 31, 2026, at his home with his family by his side.
Reed was born May 22, 1984 in Tupelo, MS, to Tori and Alan Nunnelee. He graduated from Tupelo High School in 2002, and attended Mississippi College, where he met and fell in love with his...
Velma Stevens
Apr 2, 2026
Velma Annice Stevens, of Brandon, Mississippi, passed away on Thursday, April 2, 2026, at the age of 90.
Visitation will be held at Ott & Lee Funeral Home in Brandon on Monday, April 6, 2026, from 1:00 to 2:00 pm with the funeral service beginning at 2:00 pm in the chapel. Mrs. Stevens will be laid to rest in Johns Cemetery....
Joe Watkins
Mar 29, 2026
Mr. Joe Watkins, 66, of Lawrence, passed away Sunday, March 29, 2026, surrounded by the love of his family at his home. Visitation will be held at Ott and Lee Funeral Home of Forest on March 31st from 4-8pm. A second visitation will be held at Pine Ridge Missionary Baptist Church on April 1st 9-11a.m. The funeral service will begin...
Karin Hertrich Manuel
Mar 28, 2026
Karin Hertrich Manuel passed away on Saturday, March 28, 2026, at the age of 69.
Mrs. Manuel was born July 6, 1956, in Frankfurt, Germany, to Max Hertrich and Theresia Rockenberg Hertrich. She moved to Brandon, Mississippi, in 1983. She was a wonderful homemaker and mother, and she enjoyed sewing, reading books, playing card games and spending time with her grandchildren....
Michael "Steve" Crotwell
Mar 28, 2026
Michael Steven “Steve” Crotwell
(December 23, 1965-March 28, 2026)
Steve Crotwell, lifelong resident of Morton, MS died at St. Dominic Hospital in Jackson, MS after an extensive illness.
Steve attended East Rankin Academy where he excelled in basketball, football and baseball and was voted Most Handsome He was also an avid outdoorsman who loved to fish, deer and dove hunt. His love for...
Lawrence Everett Felts
Mar 27, 2026
Lawrence Everett Felts was born on November 16, 1941, in Jackson, Mississippi, and passed away on March 27, 2026, in Brandon, Mississippi. He was a retired entrepreneur and business owner in the Industrial Rag Business. Lawrence was a long-time member of McLaurin Heights Baptist Church in Pearl, MS. He lived in Pearl for over 56 years before moving to Brandon.
Lawrence...
Melba Peagler Merchant
Mar 26, 2026
Celebrating the Life of Melba Peagler Merchant
November 4, 1929 – March 26, 2026
Melba Peagler Merchant, a cornerstone of the Branch and Line Prairie communities for nearly a century, passed away peacefully on March 26, 2026, at the age of 96. A woman defined by her grit, devotion, and vibrant spirit, Melba leaves behind a legacy as rich and enduring as...
Van Wesley Covington, Sr.
Mar 24, 2026
BRANDON, MS – On March 24, 2026, Van Wesley Covington, Sr., ascended to heaven to be with our loving Savior.
Van was born in Ruston, Louisiana, on March 7, 1943. He graduated from Ruston High School in May 1961, where he excelled in football and was chosen Most Handsome his sophomore year. He graduated from Louisiana Tech University with a degree...
Greg Sanders
Mar 24, 2026
Gregory Miller Sanders was born on January 16, 1963, and departed this life on March 24, 2026. Greg was born to Smith and Ruby Worrell Sanders. He was a lifelong resident of the Harperville Community. He was the youngest brother of three siblings, Iris (Jimmy) King, Charles (Sonya) Sanders, and Suzette (David) Benton. Greg attended Scott Academy until its closure,...
Eloise H. Thomas
Mar 24, 2026
Eloise H. Thomas, 90, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, March 24, 2026, at her home in Brandon, Mississippi, surrounded by her family.
Eloise was born April 29, 1935, in Houston, Mississippi, to Richmond and Myrtle Higginbotham. Growing up, she enjoyed singing “good ole gospel music” with her father and others. In April 1956, she was married to Roland “Snow” Thomas. Together,...
Shirley Jean Robertson
Mar 23, 2026
Shirley Jean Robertson, 77, passed away at her home in Brandon, Mississippi, on Monday, March 23, 2026.
Shirley was born on September 4, 1948, in Vienna, Illinois, to Eugene Hollenbeck and Glenna Mae Gore Hollenbeck. She later moved to Elgin, Illinois, before settling in Brandon, Mississippi, in 1989. Shirley retired from Entergy after 20 years, and she enjoyed antiquing, reading, and...
Joseph R. Rishel
Mar 22, 2026
Joseph Roy “Joe” Rishel moved on to his heavenly home on March 22, 2026. Born in 1950, he was 75 years old and the husband of Mickey Schwarz for 29 years.
Joe was born on October 7, 1950 in Long Beach, Mississippi, the third child of Horace “Smoakie” Rishel and Leila (Yeiser) Rishel. He attended all 12 years in Long Beach...
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