http://www.colonialchapelbaysprings.com/

Colonial Chapel of Bay Springs and Raleigh, 22 E 4th Avenue, Bay Springs, MS (2026)

04/07/2026

Carolyn Joyce Blackwell D***s passed peacefully on April 6, 2026, at the Jasper General Nursing Home. She was 82 years old.

Carolyn was born on October 8, 1943 in Bay Springs. She is survived by her son, Christopher John; her daughter and son-in-law, Julie Kelsy and Philip Gabriel (Gabe) McNeil; her brother-in-law, Larry Nelson, and her most cherished blessings of all, her two granddaughters, Paige Gabrielle and Aubree Juliana McNeil. They are also lovingly known to her as Tinkerbell and Penelope. Carolyn was preceded in death by her loving husband of 61 years, Jerry Lamar; her father and mother, Alonzo Terry and Gusta Mae Blackwell; her father-in-law and mother-in-law, Geard Lamar and Jewel Ruth D***s; her sister and brother-in-law, Mary Ellen and Ralph Terry Jones; and her sister-in-law, Katie Ann D***s.

She was a devoted Christian and longtime member of Stringer Baptist Church. She helped with many activities and was always willing to assist with any wedding or shower planning. She loved all things sparkly and would argue that you could never have too many rhinestones (a trait she shared with her eldest granddaughter, Paige). She was a wonderful grandmother and enjoyed spending time with her girls. Carolyn was a Southern Lady through and through. She believed in poofy hair, makeup, hair spray, and panty hose. She could be quite “sassy” at times and would never fail to say what was on her mind, even if it wasn’t what you wanted to hear. She could crack a joke in a second and kept her family laughing (which in the last few years was more of a blessing than she could ever know). Carolyn loved the outdoors, travelling, and seeing new places. She was a mountain person, but she absolutely hated heights. Her flower gardens were always immaculate and beautiful. She could grow anything and would fuss if you didn’t have any “porch plants”, then promptly go buy some and proceed to put them on your porch for you. She loved to crochet, needlepoint, and sew. She worked for many years serving the public in law and banking, retiring at Magnolia State Bank where she worked for more than twenty years. She truly loved her job at the bank and everyone she met. She never forgot a face and loved helping each and every one.

After her retirement, Carolyn provided around the clock care for her husband, Jerry. She was a selfless, devoted, and loving caregiver until his death in 2023. They truly had a love story people dream of, meeting in high school, and being married for almost 61 years. They were both graduates of the 1961 class at Stringer High School and many of their classmates are still great friends of theirs today.

Visitation will be held on Friday, April 10, 2026 at 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM with service directly following at Colonial Chapel Funeral Home, Bay Springs, MS. Bro. Keith Ulmer and Bro. Josh Chandler will officiate the service.

Pallbearers will include: Wade Hosey, Jared Hosey, Josh D***s, Benjamin McNeil, Tommy Buckley, and Aaron Myers.

Honorary Pallbearers will include: Larry D***s, Philip McNeil, Matt McNeil, Shane D***s, Glenn Myers, Paul Johnston, Bro. Drew Blanton, Steve Ishee, Randy Jones, Terry Jones, Charles Graham and the Class of 1961.

The family would like to extend a heartfelt thanks to all the employees at Jasper General Nursing Home. They went above and beyond in their care of Carolyn.

04/06/2026

Mrs. Sarah Jane Stringer, 85, of Bay Springs passed into the arms of her Savior Sunday, April 5, 2026 surrounded by her loving family at the Jasper County Nursing Home. She was born April 8,1940 to William Dewey and Evelyn Pauline Lovelady Webb in Lafayette County, MS.

Visitation will be held Saturday, April 11, 2026, from 5:00-7:00 PM at Colonial Chapel of Bay Springs. Funeral services will be held Sunday, April 12, 2026, at 2:00 PM at New Home Baptist Church, 137 SCR 11A, Bay Springs, MS 39422 with burial to follow in the church cemetery. Bro. Ron Swindall and Bro. Brett Rushing will officiate the service.

Sarah was a long time Member of New Home Baptist Church where she taught Sunday School many years until her health wouldn't allow.

She is preceded in death by her husband, Rev. Byron E. Stringer, parents, William Dewey and Evelyn Pauline Webb. Siblings, Paul Webb, Lena Nicholas, James Webb, Gene Webb, Wardene Webb and granddaughter, Maegan Riley.

Left to cherish her memory are her children. Son, Jeffery Byron Stringer. Daughters, Marsha Wood, Kimberly Cook (Lonnie), Lisa Shelby (Russ) and Hope James (Steve). Grandchildren, Spencer Byron Stringer, Brenton Shelby (Danielle), Kayla Shelby Rushing (Brett), Gunner James (Tristen) and Jack James (Haidyn). A great grandchild, Leo Shelby affectionately known as “E-LO”. Mrs. Sarah is also survived by siblings, Claiborne Webb, Martha Ann Herring, and Faye Gillespie (Keith).

Honored to serve as pallbearers will be Spencer Stringer, Brenton Shelby, Gunner James, Jack James, Steve James, Lonnie Cook, and Russ Shelby.

The family wishes to acknowledge the staff of Jasper County Nursing Home for the excellent care that was provided for Mrs. Sarah.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the New Home Cemetery Association, 1849 SCR 76, Bay Springs, MS 39422 or the Jasper General Nursing Home Activities Department, at 15A South 6th Street, Bay Springs, MS 39422.

04/01/2026

Mrs. Nelda Dickerson, age 90, and a nine year resident of Jasper General Nursing Home passed away on Tuesday, March 31, 2026 surrounded by her loving family.

Visitation will begin at 12:00 pm on Saturday, April 4, 2026 and continue until the service hour at Colonial Chapel Funeral Home in Bay Springs. Services will begin at 2:00 pm in the funeral home chapel with Bro. Carey Bass officiating. Burial will follow in the Antioch Baptist Cemetery under the direction of Colonial Chapel Funeral Home in Bay Springs.

Mrs. Dickerson was a graduate of Louin High School, and lifetime resident of Jasper County. She was a dedicated homemaker and will be remembered for her strong work ethic, taking care of the home, cooking, and gardening. She was very plain spoken, which enhanced her strong will and personality. She was known as the "Life of the Party" at Jasper General. She was a Christian by faith and a member of Antioch Baptist Church. She will be missed by her family, friends and the staff and residents of Jasper General Nursing Home.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 55 years, Billy F. Dickerson; one son, Randy Dickerson; her parents, Lester and Flonnie Rayner and one brother, Robert Rayner.

Survivors include two children, Timothy Wayne Dickerson of Raleigh and Rene' Newland (Bobby) of Eupora; one granddaughter, Denise Hardin (Matthew) of Raleigh; two great-grandchildren, Ryan and Avery Hardin; one sister, Dean Bufkin of Stringer; several nieces, nephews and cousins also survive.

Pallbearers will be Ronnie Evans, Terry Russell Rayner, Clifford May, Bobby David May, Lance McPhail, and Rory Dale Holder.

The family wishes to acknowledge with sincere appreciation the directors and staff of Jasper General Nursing Home for the excellent care for their loved one over the years.

03/30/2026

Bobbie Culliver, 93, went to be with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ on Friday, March 27, 2026. She was born on October 3, 1932, in Smith County, MS. Bobbie was a devoted Christian and cherished her faith deeply.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Robert McKay and Idelle McKay-Derrick, her beloved husband, Fred Culliver, and her sister, Peggy Chisholm.

Bobbie is survived by her loving children, Cynthia Woods and her husband David, and Neil Culliver and his wife Emily. She was a proud grandmother to Emma Dunaway and her husband Dylan, and Matthew Culliver, and a great-grandmother to Noah Dunaway. She is also survived by her sister, Johnnie Hall, and a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, April 1, 2026, at Colonial Chapel of Raleigh from 10:00 am until 11:00 am. The Graveside Service will follow at 11:00 am at North Raleigh Cemetery, with burial to follow. Reggie Chisholm will officiate the services.

The family extends special thanks to Michelle Blakeney for the special care shown to Bobbie and to Accent Care Home Health and Hospice.

03/27/2026

Betty Jewel Grantham, 97, of Stringer, passed away Thursday, March 26, 2026. She was born on January 24, 1929, to Grady H. And Naomi Lowe Bufkin in Stringer, Miss.

Visitation will be held on Monday, March 30, 2026, from 10:00 am until 11:00 at Liberty Baptist Church, Stringer, with funeral service to follow at 11:00 am. Burial will be in the Liberty Baptist Church Cemetery. Bro. Stanley Doggett will be the officiant of the service.

Betty was a graduate of Stringer High School. She worked at South Central Bell for 34 years. After retirement, she spent her time ministering to those with whom she came into contact. She also loved to travel with family and friends. She was a lifetime member of Liberty Baptist Church in Stringer. She has been described as a matriarch of her church, serving as secretary and treasurer for 40 years. She enjoyed ministering in every way she could, even volunteering to work VBS last year.

One of Betty Jewel’s greatest ministries was her cooking. She was known for her divinity candy, egg custard pie, and pound cakes - of which she estimated that she had probably given away hundreds. She is one of the few people who could make divinity on a rainy day. She would say, “It’s not raining in my house.”

Betty Jewel’s love and influence over others came from her relationship with Jesus Christ. She was an avid reader of the Bible. When asked what her favorite verse is, she replied, “All of them.”

Betty Jewel was known for her fortitude, as indicated in her strong opinions, will to live and live to the full. She loved to stay active and on the go. She dressed well every day of her life.

Betty Jewel was preceded in death by her husband Charles Grantham; her infant daughter, Stacy Grantham; her parents; brothers, Grady H. Bufkin, Jr., Johnny Bufkin; sisters Janice Bunkley, Mildred King.

There are too many cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends who loved her to list a condensed list of those who survive her, many of whom knew her as “Aunt D**k." Her influence on her family and friends was incredible. She was a mother and grandmother figure for countless “nieces and nephews.” She attended as many ball games, school functions, recitals, weddings, showers, and birthday parties as would fit into her busy schedule.

Pallbearers will be Seth King, Chance Grantham, Kellen Burns, Kelly Simmons, Kenny Simmons, and Johnny King.

Honorary pallbearers will be Nick Bunkley, Grady Lewis Bunkley, Robert Bufkin, Mike Bowman, Pete Yelverton, and Mark King.

In lieu of flowers the family request memorial donations be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital.

03/23/2026

Chris “Fuzzball” Walters, 58 of Sylvarena, MS passed away peacefully at his residence on Saturday, March 21, 2026. Chris was born September 5, 1967, in Houston, Texas to Raymond and Peggye Rogers Walters.

Visitation will be held Saturday, March 28, 2026, from 10:00 AM until 12:00 PM at Colonial Chapel of Bay Springs. A graveside burial service will follow at Bay Springs Cemetery at 12:00 PM.

Chris, an avid adventurer and collector of many things, graduated from Raleigh High School in 1985, he then attended and received his Technical Degree in Welding from JCJC in 1987. Chris followed the call and started pipelining full-time in 1997 and continued to work until his health forced him to retire from Price Gregory in 2020. After retirement Chris was proud to serve his community as a long-time member of the Sylvarena Volunteer Fire Department.

Chris was preceded in death by his parents, and also a brother and sister-in-law, Jeff and Lynn Walters.

Chris is survived by a son, Bryan Walters and his wife Laken of Sylvarena, one beloved grandchild, Katheryn Walters, a brother Eric Walters (Lydia) of Madison; an aunt, Mary Martin of White Oak, two special nieces, Grace and Sydney Walters, and the mother of his child and special friend Anita Kay Walters, along with a host of cousins and friends.

Pallbearers will be Josh Hammons, Jim Ainsworth, Hudson Jenkins, Stacey Stringer, Ronnie Jo Keyes, and Ryan Gregory.

Honorary pallbearers will be Nick Hillman, Donald Thornton, and all members of the Sylvarena Volunteer Fire Department.

In lieu of flowers the family ask that memorial donations be made to the Sylvarena Volunteer Fire Department.

Services are entrusted to Colonial Chapel of Bay Springs.

03/19/2026

Mrs. Mary Lorraine "Lori" Simmons Conerly was born at Bay Springs, on February 13, 1956, to Thomas Franklin and Mary Ellon Corley Simmons, who precede her in death. She was a lifelong resident of Jasper County and a graduate of Bay Springs High School. She was a Christian by testimony of her faith and a lifelong member of First Baptist Church in Louin. She worked in the retail industry, at Alexander's "on the hill' in Bay Springs, and was a homemaker. Favorite past times included reading, gardening, and spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, a "very proud Mamaw." She will be missed by those who knew and loved her.

She is preceded in death by her parents and two sons: Shannon and Robbie.

Survivors include her two sons: Adam (Stephanie) Conerly of Louin and Jonathan (Laura) Conerly of Ackerman; ten grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; three sisters: Debbie Bufkin of Louin, Pamela Wilson of Bay Springs, and Stephanie (Dale) Stephens of Monticello and one brother: Tom (Vicky) Simmons of OFallon, MO; a host of nieces and nephews also survive.

Family led services celebrating her life will be held at a future date.

03/18/2026

Glenn Ralph Drinkwine, 78, of Stringer, MS passed into the arms of his personal Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ on Tuesday March 17, 2026, in Ellisville, MS. Glenn was born at the Simmons Clinic in Bay Springs, MS on April 11, 1947, to his parents Ralph and Thelma Halford Drinkwine.

Visitation will be held Friday, March 20, 2026, from 10:00 am until 12:00 pm at Colonial Chapel of Bay Springs. Funeral service will be held at 12:00 pm in the chapel with burial to follow at Fair Ridge Baptist Church Cemetery in Stringer, MS. Bro. O.V. Cornell, Bro. Josh Chandler, and Bro. Tony Johnson will officiate. Special music will be brought by Ryan Morris.

Survivors include his wonderful wife of 57 years, Joan Myers Drinkwine, a daughter, Buffy Morris and husband Ryan; son, Benji Drinkwine and wife Linda; grandchildren, Jackson Bowering, Gracie Drinkwine and Eli Drinkwine. He is also survived by a sister Arlene Brewer and her husband Neil, and a very special friend Larry D***s.
He is preceded in death by his parents, a sister, Sylvia Hayden; and an infant baby brother Joseph Drinkwine.

Glenn served his country for a total of 33 years combined with the US Army and National Guard. During that time, he also served in the Vietnam Conflict earning several medals and commendations. In his working years, he could be found in the oil fields. But later in life Glenn could be found at the ballfields watching and supporting his grandchildren in all their activities. Glenn was a family man that LOVED his family greatly.

Proud to serve as pallbearers will be Aaron Myers, Anthony Myers, Benji Drinkwine, Jackson Bowering, Ryan Morris and Drew Myers.

Honorary pallbearers will be Larry D***s, Pete Yelverton, Glen Myers, Keith Moss, and Austin Myers.

In lieu of flowers the family request memorial donations be made to Stringer Baptist Church.

03/12/2026

Bessye Lee Duckworth (Becky) Husband, 99, went to be with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ on Monday, March 9, 2026. She was born December 29,1926, in Covington County MS, to Bessie Blackwell Duckworth and Walter Lee Duckworth. In 1946, she married Harold Husband and lived in Raleigh, MS, until her death.

Visitation will be held Saturday, March 14, 2026, at First Baptist Church Raleigh from 10:30 am until 12:00. The funeral Service will follow at 12:00 in the church Sanctuary. Burial will follow at Trinity Methodist Church Cemetery, 2611 SCR 120, Raleigh, MS 39153.

Becky attended elementary and high school in Covington County, MS. After high school she attended Jones Junior College. She taught school briefly in Burns, MS. She then worked 43 ½ Years for the Smith County Welfare Department in Raleigh. She was a past member of the DAR and Raleigh Women’s Club. She was an active member of Raleigh First Baptist Church for 70 years. After entering the nursing home, she was unable to attend church services but always watched services on television.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, and her great grandson, Donald Hilburn” Tripp” Jones, III. She is survived by her two daughters, Carolyn Jones (Donald) and Charlotte White (Chester); Grandchildren, Lee Batia (Billy), Don Jones (Leslie), Nathan Jones (Sally), Brian White, Allison Stewart (Chris), and Tyler White (Katie), and fourteen great grandchildren.
Becky enjoyed reading her Bible daily, crossword puzzles, long walks, playing the piano, and gardening. She was a devoted Mother and Grandmother. She loved her children and grandchildren dearly and prayed for them daily. She will be missed by all who know her.

The family is deeply grateful to the staff of MS Care Center of Raleigh and Legacy Hospice for the compassionate care they provided for Mrs. Becky.

In Lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations be made to the youth group at First Baptist Church Raleigh, P.O. Box 249, Raleigh, MS 39153.

Pallbearers will be Don Jones, Brian White, Nathan Jones, Tyler White, Bryson Jamison, Cole White, and Will Braswell.
Honorary Pallbearers will be Grant Braswell, Jack Stevenson, Stone Batia, and Cannon Batia.

03/09/2026

Dorothy Ann Aycock Smith, 78, of Bay Springs, MS passed away peacefully on March 7, 2026 surrounded by love at Jasper General Nursing Home in Bay Springs, MS. She was born December 21, 1947.

Ann was preceded in death by her husband of 47 years, Jimmy Dale Smith; mother, Doris Tisdale Aycock; father, Willie S. Aycock; brothers, Curtis Aycock and Jack Aycock.

Survivors include a son, Kenneth E. Smith (Debbie); daughters, Melissa Martin (Steve), and Laura Gray (Jody); grandchildren, Monica Conn, Haley C**n (Chad), Braden Gray, Kale Martin, Jake Gray, Marlee Martin, Jana Gray; great-grandchildren, Kynlee Conn, Emmalynn Lucille C**n and Oakley Ann C**n; sister, Janell Bassett, Dothan, AL; brother, Ted Aycock (Emily), Vancleave, MS; and a host of nieces and nephews.

Ann was a lifelong resident of Bay Springs, Mississippi. She was an active member of the Bay Springs Methodist Church. Ann was a graduate of Bay Springs High School Class of 1966. On October 31, 1975, Ann married her true love Jimmy Dale Smith and they spent 47 years dancing through life together. She was a loving and devoted mother to her three children, Kenneth, Melissa, and Laura. Ann, Ms. Ann, as so many would say, worked at Sylva-Bay Academy for 25 years as the manager of the cafeteria and over the after-school care. After retiring from Sylva-Bay Academy, Ann worked for 18 years as a ward clerk for Jasper General Nursing Home which is where she became famous for her chicken salad or a quart jar of her secret seasoning salt, Ann’s Best. When Ann was not working, she was a full-time babysitter for her grandchildren. Ann’s world truly revolved around her children and grandchildren. Before getting sick, Ann was always ready for a shopping trip with her girls, a cookout with family and friends, or a seat at a ball game or recital for her grandchildren.

Visitation will be on March 10, 2026 from 5-8 P.M. at Colonial Chapel in Bay Springs. Services celebrating the life of Mrs. Dorothy Ann Smith will begin at 11:30 am, Wednesday, March 11, 2026 at Colonial Chapel Funeral Home in Bay Springs. Burial will follow in the Bay Springs Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be Steve Martin, Jody Gray, Braden Gray, Kale Martin, Jake Gray, Colton Toler, Mark Bassett, Todd Aycock, Tim Aycock, Steve Aycock, and Gary Martin.

Honorary pallbearers will be Ted Aycock, Don Bassett, Gary Stringer, Barkley McFarland, and Donald Newcomb.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to the staff of Jasper General Nursing Home, who lovingly cared for “Ms. Ann” and helped to make it her home for the last few years. They would also like to express their deep appreciation to Station 3 Back Hall staff at Jasper General Nursing Home for the compassionate care.

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

03/02/2026

Alma Lillian Tefft , of Bay Springs, formerly of Georgia, passed away peacefully on Friday February 27, 2026, at Linwood Assisted Living Center in Laurel, Mississippi. Born on June 11, 1926, in Thomaston, Georgia, Alma was a devoted daughter, sister, aunt, and friend.

Alma was a hard-working individual who dedicated a good portion of her working years as a Bank Officer.

She is survived by one niece, Regina Warnock and her husband John of Bay Springs, MS; and one nephew, Todd Martin and his wife Wanda of PA.

She was preceded in death by her father, James Slade Martin; her mother, Annie Bickley Martin; brother, Junior Martin; and sisters, Annie Marie Martin and Barbara Williams.

Graveside services will be held on Saturday, March 7, 2026, at 2:30 p.m. at Bay Springs Cemetery in Bay Springs, Mississippi, officiated by Bro. Eddie Brady. Arrangements are under the care of Colonial Chapel Funeral Home Of Bay Springs.

Pallbearers will be Todd Martin, Benson Warnock, Chris Warnock, Caleb Warnock, Paul Devine, and Danny Phillips

Alma will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved her.

02/14/2026

Deborah Karen Adams, 66, of Bay Springs, MS passed away Friday, February 13, 2026, at the Jasper General Nursing Home in Bay Springs, MS. She was born Tuesday, March 17, 1959. Miss Adams loved her family and enjoyed traveling, visiting many different countries around the world with her job as a business analyst. She also enjoyed reading and was strong in her faith, and was member of Antioch Baptist Church. While living in Atlanta, she worked in the children's department at her church there. She will be deeply missed by all of her family.

Graveside services will be held on Wednesday, February 18, 2026, at 2:00pm at Antioch Baptist Church Cemetery. Rev. Steve Pouncey will officiate. Arrangements have been entrusted to Colonial Chapel Funeral Home of Bay Springs.

Pallbearers will be John Charles Adams, Michael Bodin, Ted Bodin, Jeremy Breland, Robert Folks, and Adam Pugh.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Johnny and Bobbie Adams and her step-mother, Martha Adams.

Those left to cherish her memory include her brothers, Don Adams (Beth) and John Adams (Sherri); her sister, Donna Lynn Breland (Steve); her aunts, an uncle, and a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins.

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

Colonial Chapel of Bay Springs and Raleigh

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