Pryor Funeral Home

05/21/2026

Annie Ruth Blackwelder Goodwin, 96, passed away at Baptist Memorial Hospital in Oxford on May 20, 2026. Born January 14, 1930, she was the daughter of the late George Blackwelder and the late Vannie Arrington Blackwelder. Ruth and her late husband, Lonnie Goodwin, were longtime active members of New Providence Baptist Church. She worked as a seamstress for 14 years at Glenn Slacks in Bruce. She was a member of the Calhoun City Chapter of the VFW Ladies Auxiliary for several years, and she was a lifetime member of the Eupora Chapter of the VFW Ladies Auxiliary.

In her free time, her favorite thing to do was going out to eat and talking. The ladies from her church gave her the nickname “GET”, which stands for “go eat & talk”, which fit her perfectly. She also loved to work crossword puzzles, watch Wheel of Fortune, and Family Feud.

Faith was the foundation of Ruth’s life. She always read her bible, and she always made a point to read it cover to cover every year. Ruth was a loving mother, grandmother. She always made the most of every moment she was able to spend with them. Her friends and family will always keep her memory in their hearts.

Pryor Funeral Home is honored to serve the Goodwin family.

Funeral Services will be held on Friday, May 22, 2026, at 2:00pm at Pryor Funeral Home, with Bro. Brian Poteete and Bro. Jeff Blackwelder officiating. Visitation will also be held on Friday prior to the service, from 12:00pm to 2:00pm at the funeral home. Interment will follow at New Providence Cemetery in Derma.

Pallbearers will be Greg Goodwin, Tony Goodwin, Clint Whitt, Dale Harris, Mike Harris, Phil Lucius, and George Maddox.

Honorary Pallbearers will be the members of the Calhoun City Chapter of the American Legion.

Ruth is survived by her son, Larry Goodwin (Anita) of Calhoun City; daughter, Ann Whitt (Bobby) of Vardaman; brother, Max Blackwelder of Eupora; grandsons, Greg Goodwin (Debbie), Tony Goodwin (Valerie), and Clint Whitt; great-grandchildren, Cindy Denley, Laura Lee Schiele, Caleb Goodwin, Aubrey Rose Goodwin, Kade Whitt, and Kylie Whitt; great-great-grandchildren, Aelin Denley, J.J. Denley, Stetson Goodwin, and Daxton Dobbs; and a host of nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, George and Vannie Blackwelder; husband, Lonnie Goodwin; brothers, Edward Blackwelder, James Blackwelder, Scott Blackwelder, Billy Blackwleder, and Charles Blackwelder; and sisters, Shelby Hyde, Janie Montgomery, Joyce Maddox, Joann Frizzell, and Gale Jones.

Expressions of sympathy may be left for the family at

Welcome to Pryor Funeral Home. Since 1906 , Pryor Funeral Home has provided dedicated and compassionate care to families of Calhoun City and surrounding communities. Proudly Serving the Communities of Calhoun City, Vardaman, Bruce, Derma, Slate Springs, Big Creek, ALL of Calhoun County.

05/16/2026

UPDATED OBITUARY-DORIS FLEMONS

Big Creek---Doris Koger Flemons, 74, passed away at Baptist Nursing Home in Calhoun City on Saturday, May 16, 2026. Born October 12, 1951, in Lambert, MS, she was the daughter of the late William Bester Koger and the late Audrey O’Bannon Koger. She was a 1969 graduate of Lambert High School, and attended Calhoun City First Baptist Church. After High School, Doris went on to Northwest where she earned an Associate’s Degree in 1971. It was there where she met her husband to be, Robert Flemons. They were married in 1972, and spent 46 wonderful years together until his passing in 2018. She was retired after working at Regions bank for over 38 years. She enjoyed her work, but more so, she enjoyed her work family and her customers. She was always willing to help others- whether through her work at the bank, or the many times she taught Sunday School and VBS. She served as the town clerk of Big Creek for many years, as well as serving on the school board and patrons clubs at Calhoun Academy for years.
She was a firm Christian. She truly enjoyed being at church and worshipping with other believers. She loved reading her Bible and studying God’s word, and did her daily devotions consistently.
In her free time she enjoyed watching Wheel of Fortune, crocheting and needle-point, and attending anything her children and grandchildren were doing. She loved visiting with her family, and hanging out with her sister Mary at the Ram Shack. She was so proud of her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. She always put others before herself, and the home that she and Robert made together was something she was sure proud of. Doris was an incredible wife, mom, sister, grandmother, and sister-in-law. She will be missed by all who knew her, but she leaves behind a legacy of love and kindness that touched the lives of so many.
Pryor Funeral Home has the honor of serving the Flemons family.
A Funeral Service celebrating her life will be held on Sunday, May 17, 2026, at 3:00pm at Pryor Funeral Home. There will also be Visitation on Sunday from 1:00pm until service time at the funeral home. Bro. Chad Logan will be officiating, with interment to follow at Chapel Hill Cemetery in Big Creek.
Serving as pallbearers will be Griffin Hutchins, Holt Winter, Hank Winter, Kevin Flemons, Kelby Flemons, and Jason Gore.
She leaves behind her daughters, Valerie Parker and her husband Davin of Vardaman, and Vonda Winter and her husband Matt of Starkville; sisters, Camelia (Tommy) Lott of Lambert, and Mary (Tony) Langford of Vardaman; brothers, Roy Koger of Crenshaw, MS, Joe (Amanda) Koger of Jacksonville, FL, and Freddie (Annette) Koger of Southaven; grandchildren, Wes Parker, Griffin Hutchins, Nora-Blake Parker, Holt Winter, Hank Winter, Haley Parker, and Addie Parker; and great-grandchildren, Brooks Parker, Tripp Hutchins, and Harrison Hutchins.
She was preceded in death by her parents, William Bester and Audrey Koger; and her beloved husband, Robert Flemons.
Expressions of sympathy may be left for the family at

Welcome to Pryor Funeral Home. Since 1906 , Pryor Funeral Home has provided dedicated and compassionate care to families of Calhoun City and surrounding communities. Proudly Serving the Communities of Calhoun City, Vardaman, Bruce, Derma, Slate Springs, Big Creek, ALL of Calhoun County.

05/16/2026

Doris Flemons, 74, passed away at Baptist Nursing Home in Calhoun City on Saturday, May 16, 2026.

VISITATION will be held on Sunday, May 17, 2026, from 1:00pm until 3:00pm at Pryor Funeral Home.

FUNERAL SERVICES will also be held on Sunday, May 17, 2026, at 3:00pm at Pryor Funeral Home.

A complete obituary will be posted as soon as it becomes available.

Please keep her family in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.

04/30/2026

UPDATED OBITUARY-SANDRA GREGG STROUP

Sandra Kay Gregg Stroup, 77, passed away at Baptist Memorial Hospital in Oxford on Tuesday, April 28, 2026. Born July 18, 1948, in Calhoun County, she was the daughter of the late Guy Gregg and the late Jessie Lucius Gregg. She was a 1966 graduate of Calhoun City High School, and was a life-long member of Grace Southern (2nd) Baptist Church, where she was Saved at the young age of 11.
In 1968, Sandra married John Nix, and together they had a daughter, Lisa. She worked for many years as a Seamstress at Kellwood, and then moved on to Calhoun Apparel where she worked until retirement. She married John Williams in 1976, and together they had a son, Jason. Sandra spent most of her time with her sisters, Doris and Sue. They could usually be found arguing about anything and everything, but there was no greater bond than the one they shared.
Later in life, she married AB Stroup in 1996. Sandra had many friends and was always joking around about something, and you never had to wonder what was on her mind. She embraced every moment, and lived life to the fullest. She has now been reunited with her loved ones that have gone on before her, but she leaves behind countless memories for her family to cherish.
Pryor Funeral Home has the honor of serving Sandra’s family.
Visitation will be held on Friday, May 1, 2026, from 11:00am until 2:00pm at Pryor Funeral Home. Funeral Services celebrating her life will also be held on Friday, May 1, 2026, at 2:00pm at Pryor Funeral Home.
Sammy McGreger and Bro. Marlon Long will be officiating, with interment to follow at Calhoun City Cemetery.
Serving as pallbearers will be Forrest Willis, Charles Mays, Anthony Stroup, Gene Ruth, Gene Ruth II, and Jamie Keeton.
Honorary Pallbearers will be Mike Lucius, Phil Lucius, Kemp Lucius, Roger Lucius, Larry James Lucius, J.R. Denton, Jerry Fleming, and Ricky Card.
She leaves behind her daughter Lisa Nix Bullard and her husband Douglas of Calhoun City; granddaughter, Avery Bullard of Oxford; Nephew, Johnny Hardin and his wife Pat of Russellville, AL; and great-nephew, John Tyler Hardin of Washington, DC.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Guy and Jessie Gregg; son, John Jason Williams; brother, Billy Joe Gregg; sisters, Doris Rogers and her husband Gene, and Sue Hardin Cannon, and first husband Billy Hardin, and second husband Ace Cannon; and nephew, Tony Hardin.
Expressions of sympathy may be left for the family at

Welcome to Pryor Funeral Home. Since 1906 , Pryor Funeral Home has provided dedicated and compassionate care to families of Calhoun City and surrounding communities. Proudly Serving the Communities of Calhoun City, Vardaman, Bruce, Derma, Slate Springs, Big Creek, ALL of Calhoun County.

04/29/2026

Sandra Kay Gregg Stroup, 77, passed away at Baptist Memorial Hospital in Oxford on Tuesday, April 28, 2026.

VISITATION will be held on Friday, May 1, 2026, from 11:00am until 2:00pm at Pryor Funeral Home.

FUNERAL SERVICES will also be held on Friday, May 1, 2026, at 2:00pm at Pryor Funeral Home.

A complete obituary will be posted as soon as it becomes available.

Please keep her family in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.

04/22/2026

John Thomas Pryor
3/2/1949 – 3/25/2026

It is with great sadness that we share the news of John Pryor's passing on Wednesday, March 25, 2026.

He was born in New Albany, MS to Tilden William Pryor and Margaret Livingston Pryor. He earned a BS in Accounting at Mississippi State University (go dawgs) and was a retired CPA and financial manager. His most recent career achievement was serving as the Broward County, FL Accounting Director as well as the Finance Director and Treasurer of Little Rock, AR. When he retired in 2011, he returned to Mississippi and lived in Tupelo until 2021. Continuing health struggles necessitated a move to Virginia to be closer to one of his daughters.

John was an active contributor to the National Association of Accountants, the Government Financial Officers Association (GFOA), and the GFOA state organizations in both Arkansas and Florida. He was awarded a Lifetime Achievement Award by the South Florida GFOA chapter.

Survivors include his daughter Virginia Manders of Detroit, MI, Amy (Brian) Hite of Louisville, KY, Kristen Pryor Ventimiglia of Fairfax, VA, and Rachel (Sasha) Pryor of Silver Springs, MA; four grandchildren, Parker and Sydney Hite of Louisville, KY, Mia & Cara Ventimiglia of Fairfax, VA; three sisters Jean (Ray) Beech of Belfast, TN, Peggy Hollingsworth of Byram, MS, Billie Davis of Sherman, MS. He was preceded in death by his parents.

We will host a funeral service on Friday, May 29, 2026, at Pryor Funeral Home in Calhoun City at 2:00pm, with Dr. Chad Logan officiating. Visitation will be held prior to the service, from 1:00pm to 2:00pm. Interment will follow at Calhoun City Cemetery. John requested that remembrances be donated to Mississippi State University, in lieu of flowers. Please keep the family in your prayers and thoughts during this time.
Expressions of sympathy may be left for the family at www.pryorfuneralhome@ymail.com" rel="ugc" target="_blank">www.pryorfuneralhome@ymail.com

04/11/2026

UPDATED OBITUARY-KENNY JONES

Kenny Eugene Jones, 68, passed away at his home in Big Creek on Wednesday, April 8, 2026. Born on June 21, 1957 in Memphis, he was the son of the late Jessie Jones and the late Sarah Jones. Kenny attended Calhoun City High School. On February 4, 1977 he married his wife of 49 years, Debrah Jones. In his early years, he worked as a cross-country truck driver. For over the last 30 years, Kenny has worked as a mechanic until his recent retirement.

Kenny was one of a kind, and he was not one you forgot easily. He was always the life of the party. In his free time, he liked to work on projects around the house.

Kenny was loved by many, and he will be deeply missed.

Pryor Funeral Home is honored to serve the Jones Family.

Visitation will be held on Sunday, April 12, 2026 from 1:00pm to 3:00pm at Pryor Funeral Home. A private family graveside service will follow, with Dr. Roger Reeder officiating.

Pallbearers will be Brett Riley, Kipton Jones, Barry Lester, Haydan Wright, and Jackson Burt.

He is survived by his wife, Debrah Jones; son, Corey (Vanessa) Jones; daughter, Brandy (Jackson) Burt; grandchildren, Summer Riley, Brett Riley, Makynlie Jones, Kamri Jones, and Kipton Jones; and 5 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Jessie and Sarah Jones; and sister, Catherine McGehee.

Expressions of sympathy may be left for the family at

Welcome to Pryor Funeral Home. Since 1906 , Pryor Funeral Home has provided dedicated and compassionate care to families of Calhoun City and surrounding communities. Proudly Serving the Communities of Calhoun City, Vardaman, Bruce, Derma, Slate Springs, Big Creek, ALL of Calhoun County.

04/10/2026

Frankie Paul Ward
Posting by request of the family

Frankie Paul Ward was born July 8, 1947 in Bruce, MS to Truman McDonald Ward and Mary Woodruff Ward Bryant.

He departed his life on earth January 9, 2026 at St. Francis Hospital, Park Ave., Memphis, TN. of complications due to cancer.

He was a resident of Slate Springs, MS and Munford, TN.

After growing up and attending school in Vardaman and Calhoun City, Paul joined the Navy in April 1966. He retired January 30, 1986 as a Chief Petty Officer E7 Machinist Mate after serving 20 years.

During his Navy career he was stationed in many bases including 2 ½ years in Rota, Spain, Long Beach, CA, Mayport, FL, Millington, TN, and Norfork, VA,

He served on many ships including USS Picking DD-685, USS Hollister DD-788, USS Topeka CLG-8, USS Canopus AS-34, USS Mount Whitney LLC-20, USS Yellowstone AD-41.

After retiring he co-owned and operated a landscaping and tree moving business in Virginia before relocating to the Dallas, TX area. There he worked for Pinnacle Group Property Management Company overseeing over a 300-unit apartment complex. Then he worked for L3 Harris Aerospace & Defense Technology Company in Greenville, TX.

In 2018 he relocated back to his beloved Mississippi, buying a home in Slate Springs. There he loved working on his land with his many “boy toys” until his health failed him.

Paul had a passion for fishing and hunting, belonging to several Bass Fishing Clubs and Deer Hunting Clubs during his lifetime. He had quite a collection of guns and found pleasure in gifting them to his buddies.

He loved to cook and could grill up some mighty fine meats.

In 2021 he married the love of his life for 40 years, Nancy Sutphin Miller of Munford, TN. where they shared their time between there and Slate Springs.

He leaves behind to cherish his memory his wife of 4 years, Nancy Ward, his daughter Teresa (Jeff) McNeil of Greenville, TX; 3 grandchildren: Jeffery McNeil of Raleigh, NC, Jimi McNeil of Alden, PA and Becca McNeil of San Marcos, TX; 6 sisters: Pam (Eddie) Helms of Slate Springs, MS, Dianne Daniel (Jan Pannell) of Millington, TN, Jackie (Kevin) Stone of Calhoun City, MS, Rita Willis of Calhoun City, MS, Susie (Kevin) Devine of Kenosha, WI, Kay Fridley of Grenada Hills, CA;

2 brothers: David (Martha) Ward of Memphis, TN, Phil (Patty) Ward of The Colony, TX : the mother of his daughter and lifelong friend, Rebecca Grass of Rockwall, TX and a host of nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Mary Bryant and Truman Ward and a brother: Jeffery Ward of Kenosha, WI.

There will be a catered Celebration of Life on Saturday, May 16, 2026 from 2 until 5 pm at Macedonia Baptist Church in Calhoun City, MS. for all family and friends.

04/10/2026

Lea T. Adams, 66, passed away in Lexington, Kentucky on Wednesday, April 1, 2026. Born January 23, 1960 in Philadelphia, Mississippi, she was the daughter of Charles Sloan and the late Barbara Bailey Sloan. She was a 1978 graduate of Neshoba Central High School. Lea chose to pursue a career in Education, and earned a Master’s Degree in that field. While at Clark College she met her husband of nearly 47 years, Bobby Adams, and they married on June 23, 1979. Lea retired as a music teacher after 20-plus years of dedicated service.

Faith and family were the two most important thing in Lea’s life. She was known for her deep devotion to Jesus Christ, and her unwavering love and loyalty to her family and friends. She attended Pleasant Ridge Baptist Church. She also had a deep passion for music, and she made it huge part of her life, sharing it with other any chance she could. Her family and friends will always remember her sense of humor, her wit, her fierce loyalty to those she loved, and her laugh. Lea touched many people throughout her life, and those who knew her will forever have her memory in their hearts.

Pryor Funeral Home is honored to serve Lea’s family.

Graveside services will be held on Saturday, April 11, 2026 at 12:00pm at Reedy’s Chapel Baptist Church Cemetery, with Bro. Cecil Fayard officiating. Visitation will be held prior to the graveside services, from 11:00am to the service time.

She is survived by her father, Charles Sloan; husband, Bobby Adams; daughters, Amber Harwell of Tupelo and Candace Adams of Clarksville, Tennessee; sister, Monica Smith; 4 grandchildren; and 1 great-grandchild.

She was preceded in death by her mother, Barbara Sloan; and son, Aaron Adams.

Expressions of sympathy may be left for the family at

Welcome to Pryor Funeral Home. Since 1906 , Pryor Funeral Home has provided dedicated and compassionate care to families of Calhoun City and surrounding communities. Proudly Serving the Communities of Calhoun City, Vardaman, Bruce, Derma, Slate Springs, Big Creek, ALL of Calhoun County.

04/10/2026

Kenny Jones, 68, passed away at his home in Big Creek on Wednesday, April 8, 2026.

Visitation all be held on Sunday, April 12, 2026, from 1:00pm to 3:00pm at Pryor Funeral Home.

A private graveside service will follow the visitation.

A complete obituary will be posted as soon as it becomes available.

Please keep the Jones family in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.

04/04/2026

Wilma Lee Tutor Swanson, 94, passed away at Bruce Community Living Center on Saturday, April 4, 2026.

Visitation will be held on Monday, April 6, 2026, from 1:00pm to 2:00pm at Pryor Funeral Home.

Funeral Services will he held on Monday, April 6, 2026, at 2:00pm at Pryor Funeral Home.

Please keep the Swanson family in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.

A complete obituary will be posted as soon as it becomes available.