http://www.colonialchapelbaysprings.com/

Colonial Chapel of Bay Springs and Raleigh, 22 E 4th Avenue, Bay Springs, MS (2025)

08/20/2025

Dorothy Ann Walters, 76, of Sylvarena, Mississippi, passed away on Wednesday, August 13, 2025 at Merit Health Wesley in Hattiesburg, Mississippi. She was born on Thursday, April 7, 1949, in Raleigh Mississippi. Ann graduated from Raleigh High School and went to work with NECO in Bay Springs, Mississippi until her retirement.

Dorothy Ann was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Charlie Walters; father James Paul “J.P.” Blackwell, of Taylorsville; mother, Alma Viola Thornton Blackwell of Sylvarena; and brother, Paul Edwin Blackwell of Raleigh.

Dorothy Ann is survived by her brother, Kenneth Wayne Blackwell (Susan) of Hattiesburg, and sister, Georgia Dale Blackwell of Sylvarena. She also leaves behind her cherished niece, Melaine Leigh Blackwell Aultman (John) of Seminary; nephew, Kevin Wayne Blackwell (Laura) of Hattiesburg; great nephews, Jason Holliman of Colorado, Lane Blackwell of Hattiesburg; great nieces, Nicole Holliman Prestenbach (Adam) of Petal, Meagan Blackwell Reid (Tristen) of Sumrall. She also leaves behind her greatest blessings, her great-great nieces, Stanna Quiroz, and Davi Batson, both of Petal, and Collins Reid of Sumrall.

Serving as pallbearers will be friends and family.

Graveside services will be held at Mount Pleasant Baptist Church Cemetery, located at 1255 SCR 132, Sylvarena, Mississippi, on Thursday, August 21, 2025, at 10:00 AM.

08/15/2025

Arnold Dan Walley, 78, of Pelahatchie, MS, passed away on Friday, August 8, 2025, at the Merit Health Rankin in Brandon, Mississippi. Born on December 18, 1946, in Louin, Mississippi, Arnold was a loving son, brother, uncle, cousin, and friend.

He retired after 35 years of driving a truck in the oil fields, a career that he was proud of. Arnold was a member of The Rock Church in Taylorsville, Mississippi, and enjoyed fishing, listening to gospel music, and most of all, spending time with his loving family and
friends.

Arnold was preceded in death by his parents, Dan E. and Gladys Simpson Walley; brothers, Billy Ray Walley, John Walley, Jimmy Ray Walley, David Wayne Walley; and sister, Nancy Ann Walley Martin.

Survivors include his sister, Barbara Walley Drummond of Pelahatchie, MS; his brother, Bobby Joe Walley (Shelley) of Laurel, MS; nephews, Bobby Harvey, Charles Harvey; his niece, Theresa Stokes and a host of other family members and friends.

Visitation will be held on Friday, August 15, 2025, from 11:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. at Colonial Chapel Funeral Home of Bay Springs, located at 22 E 4th Avenue, Bay Springs, MS. Funeral services will follow at 2:00 p.m. at the same location, with burial in Mulberry Cemetery in Louin, Mississippi. Pastor Mark Brady will officiate the services.

Colonial Chapel Funeral Home of Bay Springs is in charge of arrangements. 601-764-2181

Pallbearers will be family and friends.

An online guestbook may be signed at
www.colonialchapelbaysprings.com

08/08/2025

Did you know that choosing cremation doesn't mean skipping a meaningful funeral service? Many families find comfort in a traditional viewing, visitation, and service before cremation. This allows loved ones to gather, share memories, and say a final goodbye, honoring the life lived in a way that feels right for them. It's about celebrating a life, regardless of the final disposition choice.

08/05/2025

Services for Mrs. Bonnie Sue Upton, 94, who passed away peacefully on August 2, 2025, at Mississippi Care Center of Raleigh, will be held at Colonial Chapel of Bay Springs on Thursday, August 7, 2025 at 4:00 PM. Interment will follow at Liberty Baptist Church Cemetery in Stringer. The family will receive friends and relatives from 2:00 PM until service time. Brother James Sprayberry will officiate the service.

Bonnie was a devoted Christian, wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. Bonnie had a servant’s heart and lived to serve others. She enjoyed attending church, cooking delicious meals, and spending time with her family.

Mrs. Upton was preceded in death by her husband of 52 years, Elbert F. Upton, Sr; parents, Deavours and Beatrice Brady; son, Elbert Frank “Frankie” Upton, Jr; grandson, Breland Boykin; sons-in-law, Glenn Boykin, and James Ingram; sister, Betty Odom; and brother, Jimmy Brady.

She is survived by her daughters, Doris Boykin Ingram, and Kathy Patterson; daughter-in-law, Judy Creel Upton; grandchildren, Alison Williams (Mason), Shelley Bradshaw (Gaylon), Brance Boykin (Cisly), Elbert Frankie “Hank” Upton III (Paulina); great-grandchildren, Bree Lynn Breaux (John Paul), Ivey Bruntlett, Brynn Boykin, Garrett Bradshaw (Bailey), Kyle Bradshaw, Brady Williams, Emma Rose Williams, Frankie Ann Upton, and Elbert Frankie “Hank” Upton IV; and a host of nieces and nephews.

Pallbearers will be Brance Boykin, Brynn Boykin, Brady Williams, Hank Upton, John Paul Breaux, Garrett Bradshaw, and Kyle Bradshaw.

To view and sign online guestbook, please visit www.colonialchapelbaysprings.com

08/01/2025

His Life Story

For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand. I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing. – II Timothy 4:6-8

James Gilbert Ashley, born on October 14, 1949, in Smith County, was the cherished son of James and Lora Ashley. He passed away on July 28, 2025, at Merit Health Wesley in Hattiesburg, Mississippi. Gilbert was the eldest of three siblings and spent his formative years in Taylorsville, Mississippi, where he graduated from Taylorsville High School in 1968.

He embraced his faith early in life and was a dedicated member and deacon of Clear Creek Baptist Church. Gilbert's career began in the oil fields, and he later retired from Vescom Security, leaving behind a legacy of hard work and dedication.

He is survived by his devoted wife of 49 years, Polly Foster Ashley, his beloved mother Lora Ashley, his daughter Amy Ashley, and his Godson Zylon Hicks, all of Taylorsville, MS. He also leaves behind his grandson Amm McDaniel, his brother David Ashley and wife Patricia, and his sister Chris Guichet and husband Paul of New Orleans, LA, along with numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, and relatives. He was preceded in death by his father, James Ashley.

A visitation will be held on Saturday, August 2, 2025, from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Clear Creek Baptist Church, located at 381 SCR 33, Taylorsville, Mississippi, and again on Sunday, August 3, 2025, from 10:00 a.m. until 1:45 p.m. A Celebration of Life service will follow at 2:00 p.m. at the church, with burial in the church cemetery. Bro. John David King and Bro. Tim McNeil will officiate, with special music by Mr. LaCon Sheppard and Mr. Terry Jones. Arrangements are under the care of Colonial Chapel Funeral Home of Taylorsville.

Active Pallbearers will be Ronnie Hull, LaCon Sheppard, Robert Hicks, Charles Yelverton, Kenny McDaniel, and Paul Simpson. Honorary Pallbearers will be Zylon Hicks, Ricky King, Kevin Ford, Terry Jones, Stanley Todd, John Prestridge, Tim O’Rourke, David Tucker, Don Evans, David Blakeney, Wesley West, and Craig Lowery.

The Ashley family gratefully acknowledges and appreciates the love shown to us and all expressions of sympathy during our bereavement. The family wishes to acknowledge the excellent care provided by Merit Health Wesley, Merit Health ICU, Leila Benison Simpson. A special thanks to Pastor John David King and members of Clear Creek Baptist Church.

To send a flower arrangement in memory of James Gilbert Ashley, please click here to visit our sympathy store.

07/25/2025

Larry D. Rayner, aged 73, of Bay Springs, passed away Thursday, July 24, 2025 at the South Central Regional Medical Center in Laurel. He was born Friday, January 11, 1952 in Bay Springs.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, July 26, 2025 from 2:00 pm until 4:00 pm at Colonial Chapel Funeral Home of Bay Springs in 22 E 4th Avenue, Bay Springs, with services immediately following in the funeral home chapel. Burial will be in Bay Springs Cemetery. Bro. Chris Myers will officiate.

Mr. Rayner's favorite past times were hunting and fishing. He also enjoyed spending time with his family. He attended Bethany Baptist Church as long as his health permitted where he loved to sing in the church choir.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Lovie D and Hilda Ree Hill Rayner; one brother, L. D. Rayner; and two sisters, Patsy Burkeen and Dinah Ree Rayner.

Survivors include his wife of fifty two years, Jean Yarbrough Rayner of Bay Springs; two sons, Michael Rayner (Kimberly) of Brandon and Mitchell Rayner (Melissa) of Stringer; one daughter, Lindsey Douglas (Joey) of Stringer; six grandchildren, Madison Rayner, Kayleigh Douglas, Kennedi Douglas, Karah Rayner, Konnor Rayner and Kassidy Rayner; one brother, Jerry Rayner (Diane) of Bay Springs; three special nephews, who were like sons, Larry Burkeen of Soso, Shaun Burkeen and Jason Burkeen, both of Bay Springs; two nieces and three other nephews also survive.

Pallbearers will be Larry Burkeen, Shaun Burkeen, Jason Burkeen, Luke Rayner, Tony Rayner, and Chad Waldrup.

Colonial Chapel Funeral Home of Bay Springs is in charge of arrangements.

An online guestbook may be signed at www.colonialchapelbaysprings.com

07/22/2025

Funeral Services for Mrs. Janice Allen will be held on Wednesday, July 23, 2025 at Colonial Chapel of Raleigh, at 3:00 PM. The family will receive friends and relatives from 1:00 PM until service time. Interment will follow at Jesus Name House of Prayer Cemetery on Highway 18 in Sylvarena.

Janice was born on August 24, 1938, at home in Woodville, Mississippi, to Wardy and Marie Daniels, who precede her in death. She was the eldest of five children, who also precede her in death. Her siblings were Wardy Daniels (Elaine), Rubylee Daniels, Celia Lou Daniels, and Mark Daniels.

In October of 1959, Janice married J.H. “Buster” Allen, Jr. and built a beautiful family together. Janice worked at The Raleigh Company for many years and after she retired, she spent some time working with Rolling Acres Retirement Home which eventually became The Mississippi Care Center of Raleigh and she was a caregiver for many. She enjoyed being outdoors, specifically spending time with her grandchildren, and tending to her flowers.

Those left to cherish her memory are her husband of 66 years, J.H. “Buster” Allen, Jr, her daughter, Vanessa Simmons (Richard), her son, Dwight Allen, her grandchildren, Vanessa Easterling (Jason), John Simmons, and Denise Martin (Allen), her great-grandchildren, Auston Easterling (Mikaylan), Barrett Martin (Kristen), Madison Martin, Maria Pennington (Dawson), Alevia Martin, Parker Easterling; and one great-great grandchild, Zeppelin Pennington.

Pallbearers are Dewey Wayne Westbrook, John Simmons, Burl Allen, Jospeh Allen, Barrett Martin, and Dawson Pennington.

To view and sign online guestbook, please visit www.colonialchapelbaysprings.com

07/14/2025

Mr. Johnny Ray Headrick, aged 87, of Raleigh, MS, passed away peacefully at his residence on Sunday, July 13, 2025. Born in Raleigh, Mississippi, Johnny was a beloved member of the community and a devoted family man.

He was a graduate of Raleigh High School, class of 1958, and went on to become the owner and operator of Headrick’s Grocery in Raleigh, where he served the community for many years. Johnny was a member of Pleasant Hill Methodist Church in Raleigh, MS, and was known for his love of cooking, traveling, and most importantly, spending time with his family.

Johnny was married to the love of his life, Flora M. Webb Headrick, for sixty-eight wonderful years. He is survived by his loving wife, his sister Mary Elizabeth Headrick Edmond of Raleigh, MS, and a host of other family members and friends who will miss him dearly.

He was preceded in death by his son, Johnny Dewayne Headrick; his parents, Whitman Barney and Gladys Cleo Craft Headrick; his brothers, Charles Headrick and Billy Headrick; his daughter-in-law, Lisa Hughes; and his parents-in-law, Buford and Mamie Hollingsworth Webb.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, July 15, 2025, from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at Colonial Chapel Funeral Home, located at 219 Sylvarena Ave, Raleigh, Mississippi. Funeral services will be conducted on Wednesday, July 16, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. at the same location, with Pastor Bobby Davis and Judge Stan Sorey officiating. Special music will be provided by Mrs. Miriam Bowen. Burial will follow in Double Church Cemetery in Raleigh, Mississippi. Colonial Chapel Funeral Home of Raleigh is in charge of arrangements. 601-764-2181

Pallbearers will include Rob Millet, Roger Carey, Michael Martin, Logan Brock, John Sorey, and Charley Harris. Honorary pallbearers will be Don Jackson, Larry Weathersby, Dr. Verlon Hughes, Dr. Phil Thompson, Tommy Hannah, and the men of the Double Church.
Johnny will be remembered for his dedication to his church; and the kindness and the love he shared with all who knew him.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Double Church Cemetery Fund, Attn. L.C. Craft, 35 SCR 19-3 A, Raleigh, MS 39153.

An online guestbook is available for signing at www.colonialchapelbaysprings.com.

07/14/2025

William Burton “Bobby” Dice, Jr.
(August 6, 1946 – July 12, 2025)

William Burton “Bobby” Dice, Jr., aged 78, of Raleigh, MS, passed away on Saturday, July 12, 2025, at the G.V. Sonny Montgomery VA Medical Center in Jackson, MS. Born on August 6, 1946, in Pascagoula, Mississippi, Bobby was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, son, brother, uncle, and friend.

He proudly served his country in the United States Marine Corp and was a cherished member of the Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church in Raleigh, MS. Bobby found joy in fishing, participating in youth events at church, watching movies, and most importantly, spending time with his beloved family and friends.

He is survived by his loving spouse, Martha Jean Rogers Dice of Raleigh, MS; his son, William Burton Dice, III; daughters, Melissa Ann Dice Pickens (Jason) and Angela Michelle Dice Myers (Ben); grandchildren, Kali Brooke Boyd (Caleb), Christopher Kathan Musgrove, Justin Wayne Ferry (Savannah), Colten Allen Pickens, and Faith Noel Pickens; and great-grandchildren, Lucas Kathan Musgrove, Kenli Mae Boyd, Crew Nathaniel Boyd, Caroline Brooke Boyd, and Cooper Eugene Ferry. He is also survived by his brother, William James Dice (Edna Ruth), sister, Gloria Faye Dice Myers (Paul), and a host of other family members and friends.

Bobby was preceded in death by his parents, William Burton Dice, Sr. and Una Vivian Anderson Dice; great-grandchildren, Carter Wayne Ferry, Caiden Andrew Ferry, and Collin Beckham Ferry; and sister, Barbara Jean Dice Currie.

A graveside funeral service will be held on Thursday, July 17, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at Mt. Pleasant Baptist Cemetery, Smith County Road 132, Raleigh, Mississippi, with military rites. Bro. Thomas Sanders will officiate. Arrangements are being handled by Colonial Chapel Funeral Home of Raleigh. Bobby will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

Pallbearers will be family and friends.

An online guestbook is available for signing at www.colonialchapelbaysprings.com.

07/05/2025

Curtis Lee Gable, aged 93, of Raleigh, Mississippi passed away on Friday, July 4, 2025, at Forrest General Hospital in Hattiesburg, Mississippi. Born on November 25, 1931, in Taylorsville, Mississippi, Curtis was a beloved member of his community and a dedicated family man.

He was a graduate of Taylorsville High School and proudly served his country in the United States Navy as an aviation mechanic and the secretary for the General. After his military service, Curtis worked for Life of Georgia Insurance Company as a District Manager in Natchez, Mississippi, before returning to Raleigh, where he spent many years farming, logging, and running heavy equipment. He took great pride in completing over 600 dozer jobs before retiring.

Curtis was a devoted member of the First Baptist Church of Raleigh, where he served as a Deacon, Sunday School Director, and teacher. His dedication to his church, family, and hard work was well-known, and he never met a stranger, making him a favorite in the community.

He was preceded in death by his loving wife, Nita Joyce Sullivan Gable, his father Dewitt Talmadge Gable, his mother Virgie Blakeney Gable, and his brother Jerry Dee Gable.

Curtis is survived by his two daughters, Robin Gable Moss and Renee Gable Griffin; four grandchildren, Heath Griffin (Kaley), Brett Griffin (Summer), Kayla McDonald (Kyle), and Brenton Moss (Kalan); three great-grandchildren, McKinley Griffin, Magnolia Moss, Kylee Jo McDonald, and two more on the way; along with a host of other family members and friends.

Visitation will be held on Monday, July 7, 2025, from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at Colonial Chapel Funeral Home, located at 219 Sylvarena Ave, Raleigh, Mississippi, and on Tuesday, July 8, 2025, at the First Baptist Church, 154 Main Street, Raleigh, Mississippi, from 9:00 a.m. until 9:50 a.m.

The funeral services will be held on Tuesday, July 8, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. at the First Baptist Church, with burial to follow in Unity Methodist Church Cemetery in Taylorsville, Mississippi. Dr. Jon Doler and Bro. Anthony Grayson will officiate the services. Arrangements are under the care of Colonial Chapel Funeral Home of Raleigh.

Curtis will be deeply missed by all who knew him, and his legacy of love and dedication will continue to inspire those he leaves behind.

Pallbearers will be Charlie Crumpton, Doug Blakeney, Brian Gable, Hollis Blackwell, Steve Sullivan, and Geoffrey McNeil. Honorary pallbearers will be the Deacons of the First Baptist Church of Raleigh.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to be American Cancer Society, https://donate.cancer.org/ or The Smith County Gideons, P.O. Box 222, Taylorsville, MS 39168.

An online guestbook may be signed at www.colonialchapelbaysprings.com

07/04/2025

09/30/1947 – 07/02/2025

Tommy Lynn Thornton, age 77, of Raleigh, Mississippi, passed away peacefully at his home on the afternoon of Wednesday, July 2, 2025, surrounded by his loved ones. He was born on Tuesday, September 30, 1947, in Raleigh, Mississippi, to Ernest and Lilla Thornton. Tommy graduated from Raleigh High School and spent his life living and working in the town he loved.

He worked for thirty-two years as a head mechanic at The Raleigh Company and served twelve years as a town alderman. Later, he spent many years working for the county and state as a dispatcher for the Smith County Sheriff’s Department and the Mississippi Forestry Commission. In every role, he was known for his strong work ethic, patience, attention to detail, problem-solving ability, kindness, the most beautiful cursive handwriting you’ve ever seen—and for simply being a good man. We never found anything he couldn’t fix.

Beyond his work, Tommy was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and friend, remembered for his sense of humor, love of family, and commitment to his faith. After dating for six months, Tommy married Annette, and together they shared 54 years of marriage. He was a man of quiet strength and deep kindness, always considerate of others. “Thank you for what you do” was a phrase he often repeated—a simple but heartfelt way he made sure people knew how much he appreciated them and their efforts. He especially enjoyed hunting, a good game of golf, or cards with friends, but after his grandson was born, his greatest joy was being a grandfather.

He is survived by his wife, Annette Moore Thornton; his daughter, Dr. Lynnette McNeil, and husband, Stacey; grandson, Thorn McNeil; nephew, Lane Thornton; and step-grandson, Tyler McNeil (Aubrey).

He was preceded in death by his parents, Ernest and Lilla Thornton, and his brothers, Harold Thornton, Larry Gale Thornton, and Jerry Glynn Thornton.

A funeral service will be held on Sunday, July 6, 2025, at Colonial Chapel Funeral Home, located at 219 Sylvarena Avenue, Raleigh, Mississippi, beginning at 3:00 p.m., with visitation starting at 1:00 p.m. and burial to follow at High Hill Baptist Church Cemetery. Arrangements are under the care of Colonial Chapel Funeral Home of Raleigh.

Serving as pallbearers are Lane Thornton, Donald Boykin, Jimmy Burns, David (Red) Easterling, Griff Kelly, and Dallas Little III. Honorary pallbearers include Bodie Crumpton, Charlie Crumpton, Ronnie Crumpton, Jeff Martin, Geoffrey McNeil, Keith Parker, Marty Patterson, and Edwin Tullos.

The family extends heartfelt thanks and appreciation to the Deaconess Hospice team, the Fresenius Dialysis Center staff in Magee, the many amazing nurses and staff at Baptist Hospital, longtime physicians, and the countless friends, loved ones, and extended church family who visited, offered support, and prayed with us during this time.

He will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered as Daddy, Pops, Baby, Unk, T Tom, and Tommy Lynn.

To view and sign online guestbook, please visit www.colonialchapelbaysprings.com

07/04/2025

Services for Mr. Tommy Lynn Thornton, 77, of Raleigh, who passed away on Wedneday, July 2, 2025, will be held on Sunday, July 6, 2025 at Colonial Chapel Funeral Home of Raleigh at 3:00 PM. The family will receive friends and relatives from 1:00 PM until service time. Graveside rights will follow in High Hill Cemetery in Raleigh.

Full Obituary will follow…

Arrangements for Mr. Thornton have been entrusted by his family to Colonial Chapel Funeral Home of Raleigh.

Colonial Chapel of Bay Springs and Raleigh

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