Colonial Chapel of Bay Springs and Raleigh

09/22/2025

Randall Sexton, Sr, 78, of Raleigh, MS, passed away Sunday, September 21, 2025, at his residence in Raleigh, MS. He was born Sunday, November 24, 1946, in Brookhaven, Mississippi.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, September 25, 2025 from 10:00 AM until 12:00 PM at Colonial Chapel Funeral Home of Raleigh in 219 Sylvarena Ave, Raleigh, Mississippi with funeral services to begin at 12:00. Colonial Chapel Funeral Home of Raleigh is in charge of arrangements. 6017642181

Mr. Sexton served proudly in the US Army. After his time of service, he returned home to Jackson, MS and met the love of his life, Mary Dell Vinant and they were united in marriage for 56 years. After the birth of their 2 sons, they moved to Pascagoula, MS where he started his 22 year career as an outside machinist at Ingalls Shipbuilding. Mr. and Mrs. Sexton welcomed home a daughter soon after, and made their home in Moss Point until his retirement in 1999. After retirement, they relocated to his wife's childhood home, Raleigh, MS, where he enjoyed gardening, yard work, traveling and most of all spending time together.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Mary Dell Vinzant Sexton; his parents, Claude Clifton Sexton and Irene Harper Sexton; and his brother, Claude David Sexton.

Survivors include his sons, Michael George Sexton of Raleigh, MS and Randall Sexton, Jr (Barbara) of Moss Point, MS; and his daughter, Kristy Lynn Sexton of Raleigh, MS.

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

09/19/2025

Freida Caston D***s, 82, of Louin, MS passed away Friday, September 19, 2025, at her residence in Louin, MS. She was born Tuesday, July 27, 1943, in Louin, Mississippi.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, September 23, 2025, from 10:00 AM until 12:00 PM at Louin Baptist Church with funeral services at 12:00 PM. Burial will follow in Louin Cemetery in Louin, Mississippi. Brother Hal Ethridge will officiate. Colonial Chapel Funeral Home of Bay Springs is in charge of arrangements. 601-764-2181

Freida was a wonderful mother, a loyal friend, and a loving teacher of children for 36 years, teaching at Bay Springs Schools and Newton City Schools. She was a mother to many.

She was preceded in death by her son, Billy Daylan Caston, her husbands, Billy Caston, Bobby Coats, and Parker D***s; her parents, Leroy Donovan Harris and Doris Boyd Harris; and her great-nephew, Seth Harris.

Survivors include her children Tosha Caston-Smith (Craig) and Hunter Caston (Lauren); her grandchildren, Julian Smith, Parker Caston, Romie Caston; her brother, Otha Donovan Harris (Peggy); her nieces and nephews, Chad Harris (Dawn), Drew Harris, Dana Hendry (Blake); and her great-niece, Saydee Harris.

Pallbearers will be Julian Smith, Parker Caston, Jeffrey Sims, Stan Ishee, Mark Ishee, and Ray Pugh.

An online guestbook may be signed at

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09/17/2025

Linda Joy Baggett, 76 of Stringer, MS passed away Tuesday, September 16, 2025. She was born Saturday, May 14, 1949 in Bessemer, Alabama.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, September 20, 2025 from 10:00 am until 12:00 pm at Colonial Chapel Funeral Home of Bay Springs 22 E 4th Avenue, Bay Springs, MS. Colonial Chapel Funeral Home Of Bay Springs is in charge of arrangements. 601-764-2181

Mrs. Baggett attended McAdory High School in Bessemer, AL, where she was lifelong resident until she married Everett Baggett and they relocated to Mississippi. She was a member of Stringer Baptist Church and sang all of her life in church, since she was three years old. She loved her family and getting togethers and family reunions.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Everett Baggett, step-son, Keith Baggett; father, Buford Junior White; mother, Virginia Mae Wilson White; brothers, William White, Mike White and Pete White; sister, Lois Perry.

Survivors include her step-son, Bruce Baggett of Taylorsville, MS; step-daughters, Cynthia Nipper (Glenda) and Marie Hartline; brothers, John White, Roger White (Tina); sister, Carolyn Stanley of Bessemer, AL; grandsons, Steven Baggett (Kari), George Weathers, David Weathers and Timothy Weathers; granddaughters, Christy Griffis (Paul), Danielle Baggett, Nicole Hartline, Amy Higginbotham, Kristian Wilkerson, Danielle Wilkerson, Amanda Heppner (Brandon) and Toni Marable; great grandchild, numerous great-grandchildren; sister-in-law, Norma Jean Welch (Tony).

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

09/17/2025

Henry Denson "HD" Webb, 87 of Taylorsville, MS passed away Tuesday, September 16, 2025 at his residence in Taylorsville, MS. He was born Monday, June 20, 1938 in Raleigh, Mississippi.

Visitation will be held on Friday, September 19, 2025 from 9:30 AM until service time at Mineral Springs Missionary Baptist Church Cemetery in Taylorsville. Graveside services will be held on Friday, September 19, 2025 at 10:00 AM at Mineral Springs Missionary Baptist Church Cemetery in Taylorsville, MS. Dr. Frankie Clark will officiate. Colonial Chapel Funeral Home of Raleigh is in charge of arrangements. 601-764-2181
He was preceded in death by his wife, Velma Blakeney Webb; father, Buford Webb; mother, Mamie Hollingsworth Webb.

Survivors include his sons, Darrel Webb (Joyce) of King George, VA, Keith Webb, Chris Webb (Lisa) of Taylorsville, MS and Dean Webb (Sheri); daughter, Jan Walters (Heath); sister, Flora Headrick; grandchildren, Mark Webb (Carrie), Michael Webb (Shannon), Jade McBride (Zac), Matthew Webb, Allison Glisson (Scotye), Justin Webb, Zachary Webb, Rachael Grossman (Alex), Evan Webb (Rylee) and Cory Walters; nine great-grandchildren.

Pallbearers will be Mark Webb, Michael Webb, Evan Webb, Matthew Webb, Justin Webb, Zachary Webb, and Corey Walters.

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

09/15/2025

Did you know that today's funeral services can be deeply personalized to celebrate the unique life of your loved one? From incorporating favorite hobbies, music, or colors to displaying cherished mementos, there are countless ways to create a service that truly reflects their personality and passions. It's about telling their story in a meaningful way.

09/09/2025

James Talmadge Maddox, aged 91, went to be with the Lord on September 8, 2025. Born in Magee, Mississippi, on May 31, 1934, he was a good and faithful servant of Christ, a devoted husband, and a loving father and grandfather.

He was an ordained minister for over 40 years, serving over 20 of those years at Mount Carmel Baptist Church in Smith County. He proudly served his country in the United States Army National Guard. He loved woodworking in his shop, bird hunting, fishing with his grandchildren, gardening with his wife, watching college sports, sharing the Gospel, and studying his Bible.

He is survived by his daughter, Dana Troth (Bradley); his grandchildren, Raymond Troth (Olivia), Sarah Mouton, and Abigail Troth; his great-grandchildren, Joseph, Zoie, Bella, and Lyla. He is also survived by a host of nieces and nephews, along with other family members and friends.

He is preceded in death by his beloved wife of 59 years, Emma Delores Maddox; his daughter, Wanda Gail Maddox; his parents, James and Ruby Maddox; and his siblings, Pete Maddox, Bette Denman, and Janette Day.

A visitation will be held on Thursday, September 11, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. The service will be held on Friday, September 12, at 2:00 p.m. Both services will be at Mount Carmel Baptist Church, 1052 SCR 541, Forest, MS, 39074. A graveside service will follow the funeral service at Pineville-Leaf River Cemetery.

Matthew 25:21 – “His lord said unto him, Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.”

09/08/2025

John Kellan Walters was born December 5, 1977 to his family of three—W. Scott Walters, Mary Lightsey Walters, and his brother David Reeves Walters. He was born into the Kingdom of God in August 1989, and his father had the privilege of baptizing him. He entered into his heavenly home on September 4, 2025.

He was preceded in death by his father, grandparents Trenton R. Lightsey, Thelma Kelly Lightsey, H. C. (Jimmy) Walters and Edna Landrum Walters, step grandparents Haskel L. Stringer and Mollie Herrington Stringer, an uncle, Otho G. (Gail) James and cousin, Ralph (Babs) Johnson.

He is survived by his mother and step-father Douglas Stringer; his brother and two step sisters Carrie (Terry) Tucker and Chloe (Kenny) Niemeyer; niece, Lucy Walters; nephews, Jack Walters and Kellan Walters; two aunts, Gail James and Janice Walters Glenn; first cousins Babs Johnson, Billy (Tracey) James and Candi Glenn; step-first cousins, Douglas (Cass) Lofton, Trent Tucker, and Tori (Will) Mitchell; and many cousins. In addition, he is survived by numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins in the Stringer family who drew him in as their own.

Kell graduated from Taylorsville High School where he earned five MHSAA 2A state titles in distance running. He attended Meridian Community College two years on a track scholarship and transferred to The University of Southern Mississippi where he earned a B.S. Degree in Business. At the time of his death he had been employed as a field service technician at Howard Industries for approximately eight years.

Kell loved his family, church family, and co-workers. He was kind to all animals, but he loved cats. His niece and two nephews were the apples of his eye. He was a quiet, compassionate, giving person. Even now as a registered organ donor Kell is giving extended life or a better quality of life to people he had never met. His work took him on brief trips all over the United States, but when he was home he seldom missed a service or activity at New Home Baptist Church where he was active in Sunday School and choir. He enjoyed packing Operation Christmas Child shoeboxes at the church and working on local mission projects. He was part of several disaster relief teams.

Kell was loved, and he will be missed, but he is now in the presence of the Lord and others who have gone on before him. He would encourage others to find the way to an eternal home in heaven—Christ alone.

Visitation will be Tuesday night, September 9, 2025, from 6:30pm until 8:00pm at Colonial Chapel Funeral Home in Bay Springs. Funeral services will be Wednesday, September 10, 2025, at 11:00am at New Home Baptist Church in Smith County. Graveside services will follow at New Home Cemetery.

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

09/08/2025

Did you know that a eulogy or tribute is a powerful way to honor a loved one's unique life story? It's an opportunity for friends and family to share cherished memories, celebrate accomplishments, and express the profound impact that person had. Our team can offer guidance and resources to help you craft a heartfelt tribute that truly captures their essence.

08/31/2025

John Lyle Keenan, 79, of Rose Hill, Mississippi, passed away on Saturday, August 30, 2025.

He is survived by his wife, Sandy; son, Lyle Keenan (Tina); daughter, Kate Covich (Sean); brother, Jimmy Keenan (Dianne); sister, Eleanor Sims; grandsons, Jamie Keenan (Stevi) and Keenan Covich; granddaughters, Madison Rogers (Chapman), Kylee Keenan and Kyla Blackwell; niece, Kary Sims; and four great-granddaughters.
He was preceded in death by his parents, James B. Keenan and Nancy Huston Keenan; and his daughter, Tina Bonner.

Visitation will be Monday. September 1, 2025, from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at Colonial Chapel Funeral Home, 22 E. 4th Avenue, Bay Springs. The funeral services will be Tuesday, September 2, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at Wesley Independent Methodist Church, 4757 Highway 18, Rose Hill, with a visitation from 10:00 a.m. until 10:45 a.m. with the burial to follow at Twistwood Cemetery, Rose Hill. The Rev. Chris Williams and Rev. Ronnie Sessions will officiate. An online guest book may be signed at www.colonialchapelbaysprings.com.

Pallbearers will be Haskins Montgomery, Ricky Ruffin, Rickey Cook, Keith Sims, Kenneth McNeil, Randy Windham, Billy Rayner, Sammy Windham, Tommy Chapman, and his Louisiana deer camp buddies.

Born on January 6, 1946, in Rose Hill, John was a life-long resident of Jasper County. He attended Rose Hill School until closure then graduated in 1964 from Heidelberg High School. He was employed by La-Z-Boy in Newton prior to starting his law enforcement career as a deputy with the Jasper County Sheriff’s Office. In 1977, he was hired by the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks as a Conservation Officer for the county. He was promoted to Captain of District IV prior to his retirement in 2010. In July 2012, John was appointed by the Board of Supervisors as interim Jasper County Sheriff. He completed his career serving as a bailiff for Circuit Court.

John loved law enforcement and serving the people. He had a strong sense of community and a passion for helping his fellow man.

He devoted much of his life to the preservation of natural resources and worked in many facets of agriculture including forestry management, raising swine and cattle, and gardening.

John served as Jasper County Director of Pat Harrison Waterway District and was president of Jasper Farm Bureau, Jasper County Soil and Water Commission, Meridian Stockyard Board of Directors, Mississippi Pork Producers, and Heidelberg Academy Athletic Booster Club. He was a member of Jasper County Forestry Association, Jasper County Livestock Association, Bay Springs Lions Club, and Wesley Independent Methodist Church.

He was a man of integrity, honor, loyalty, knowledge and wisdom as evidenced by the many people who sought him for advice and assistance in personal and professional matters.

08/26/2025

Paula Ann Finnegan Phillips entered heaven’s gates on August 24, 2025, at the age of 70. Her peaceful departure at Ochsner Medical Center marks the end of a remarkable journey filled with love, laughter, and inspiration.

Born on May 2, 1955, in Laurel, MS, Paula was a radiant soul, the daughter of John Paul Finnegan and Janet Headrick Finnegan. As a retired special education teacher, she dedicated her heart and soul to illuminating the lives of her students. Her warmth and creativity touched everyone she met. In the classroom she soon earned the cherished title of “storyteller” a tradition she continued in the classrooms of her grandchildren even after retirement. She enjoyed enchanting children with her heartfelt tales and captivating spirit.

From a young age, Paula’s passion for education shone brightly. She pursued her Bachelor of Education at the University of Southern Mississippi, fulfilling her dream to inspire others. Her teaching journey began in Natchez, MS, and led her to make a profound impact on countless students at Immaculate Conception School, Sylva Bay Academy, and Laurel City Schools, before retiring from the West Jasper School District. She didn’t just teach lessons; she filled classrooms with hope, imagination, and love, turning ordinary moments into extraordinary memories.

In life, she found her partner and the love of her life, Bobby Phillips, at a horse show—a day that forever changed their lives. Together, they nurtured a deep love for God, family, and livestock, sharing countless joyful weekends with their children and grandchildren at various shows.

Paula's delight shone most brightly as she engaged with her family especially at Christmas time. She adored spending her time with family, whether fishing by the river, attending livestock shows, dance recitals or cheering proudly from the sidelines at her grandchildren’s sporting event she was in her element.
A gifted artist, Paula shared her creativity generously, nurturing the same artistic spirit in her students. Her influence extended beyond the classroom into her community, where she was a member of St. Michael's Catholic Church in Paulding, MS, spreading joy and love wherever she went.

Paula leaves behind her beloved husband of 46 years, Bobby Glenn Phillips, and her cherished children: Ellen Russell (Paul) of Sumrall, MS; Renee Tolbert (Rod) of Laurel, MS; Megan White (Matthew); and Jonathan Phillips (Christy), both of Bay Springs, MS. She adored her grandchildren—Jacob, Jess, and Miles Russell; Noah, Abby, and Claire Tolbert; and Michael, Kayden, and Avary Phillips—who brought her immeasurable joy and filled her heart with so much love.

Paula is also survived by her siblings: John P. “Sonny” Finnegan Jr. (Karen), Brian Finnegan (Diane), Christopher Finnegan (Cindy), Andrew Finnegan (Jennifer), and her sister, Laura Finnegan. The love of her extended family, including sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, and a host of nieces and nephews, will forever keep her spirit alive.

Paula was preceded in death by her father, John P. Finnegan Sr., her mother, Francis Janet Headrick Finnegan, and her beloved in-laws, Ozell “Matt” and Florence Phillips, and brother-in-law Jackie Phillips, all of whom she deeply loved.

Visitation will be on August 27, 2025 from 5-8 P.M. at Colonial Chapel in Bay Springs. A mass to honor Paula’s beautiful life will be held Thursday August 28, 2025 at 10:00 AM and interment will take place at St. Michael’s Catholic Church Cemetery in Paulding, MS.

Pallbearers will be Noah Tolbert, Jacob Russell, Jeremy Phillips, Jacob Phillips, Chris Phillips, and Kelby King.

Honorary pallbearers Michael Phillips, Jess Russell, Miles Russell, Stanley Phillips and James Purvis.

Paula was a loving mother, devoted wife, passionate educator, and the heart of her family. She leaves behind a legacy woven with kindness, creativity, and a love that will forever last. She will always be remembered as a guiding light, whose stories and warmth will echo in our lives and the lives of all she touched. May her spirit continue to soar in the hearts of her loved ones, forever a cherished memory.

Services are entrusted to Colonial Chapel of Bay Springs.

An online guest book may be signed at www.colonialchapelbaysprings.com

08/26/2025

Carl Pierce Scott, 90, of Raleigh, passed away on August 24, 2025, at his residence surrounded by his family. He was born on November 6, 1934. He was a self-employed logger.

For a span of 20 years, Carl enjoyed playing guitar, mandolin and singing high tenor in bluegrass and Gospel bands, especially with his friends, The Purvis Family, and Verdell Benison, entertaining people across south Mississippi, especially in churches, bluegrass festivals, benefits, and parties. Carl taught his children the value of hard work and dedication.

Visitation will be held at Colonial Chapel of Bay Springs, on Friday, August 29, 2025 from 9:00 AM until 10:00 AM with funeral services at 10:00 AM. Interment will follow at Johnson Cemetery in Sylvarena.

Carl is preceded in death by his parents, Eddie and Edna Scott; his brothers, Marvin Scott, Herschel Scott, Ray Scott and David Scott; his sisters, Faye Gray, and Mae Pugh; and a special friend, Johnny Broadway.

He is survived by his loving wife of 71 years, Wilma Scott; his children, Tommy Scott (Bonny), Marty Scott (Stepheny), Dwayne Scott (Donna), Phil Scott (Lynn), Kevin Scott (Margaret), and Rhonda Sims (Jason); his beloved grandchildren, Caleb Scott (Abby), Savannah Johnson, Amanda Varnes (Jason), Cody Scott (Heather), Ethan Scott, Ashley Holmbeck (Jake), Will Scott (Emily), Jessica Matthews (Ben), Jenna Smith (Zack), Nathan Sims (Lexie), Haylee Sims and Katie Sims; 21 Great-Grandchildren; and a host of nieces and nephews.
Pallbearers will be Caleb Scott, Cody Scott, Ethan Scott, Will Scott, Ben Matthews and Nathan Sims. Honorary Pallbearers are Haylee Sims, and Katie Sims.

The family wants to thank Gentiva Hospice for their loving care and attention to Mr. Carl.

08/23/2025

Mary Hargrove Mnichowski, 86, of Sylvarena, Mississippi, passed away on Friday, August 22, 2025, at the Mississippi Care Center in Raleigh, Mississippi. Born on February 6, 1939, in Elkmont Alabama, Mary was a cherished member of the Sylvarena Baptist Church and her community.

Mary was a devoted wife, mother, daughter, sister, aunt, and friend. She found joy in working outside with flowers, baking for family and friends, shopping, and most importantly, spending time with her daughters, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Her granddaughters, Jessica and Jenna, held a special place in her heart, and her great-grandchildren, Heidi Brooke and C**t, were the highlights of her life.

Mary is survived by her loving daughters, Margaret Houston Scott (Kevin) of Raleigh, MS, and Donna Houston of Bay Springs, MS; her grandchildren, Jessica Scott Matthews (Ben) of Raleigh, MS, and Jenna Scott Smith (Zack) of Canton, MS; her great-grandchildren, Heidi Brooke Matthews and C**t Matthews, both of Raleigh, MS; her brother, Buddy Hargrove (Marie) of Greenville, MS; and numerous nieces, nephews, and great-nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Ernie Mnichowski; her son, Jeffrey Houston; her parents, Ollie and Tennie Steelman Hargrove; her brothers, Belton Hargrove, O`Neal Hargrove, and Paul Hargrove; and her sisters, Alma Moore, Christine Moore, Polly Hinton, and Lois Stanford.

Visitation will be held on Monday, August 25, 2025, from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at Sylvarena Baptist Church, located at 28527 MS-18, Sylvarena, MS. Funeral services will be conducted on Tuesday, August 26, 2025, at 10:30 a.m. at the same location, with a one-hour visitation prior to the service. The burial will follow in Bethany Cemetery in Sylvarena, Mississippi. Bro. Ovee Cornell and Bro. Derek Bruce will officiate the services, with Colonial Chapel Funeral Home of Bay Springs overseeing the arrangements.

Pallbearers will be Kevin Scott, Ben Matthews, Zack Smith, Jimmy Burge, Bubba Woodard, and Jerry Jones.

Honorary pallbearers will be Gary Bufkin and Michael Bufkin.

The family would like to extend a special thanks to the Mississippi Care Center of Raleigh, Legacy Hospice, Accent Nurses, Kayla and Kaci, and her sitter, Mareitha Davis for the awesome care that was provided to Mrs. Mary and her family.

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