Wright & Ferguson Funeral Home

01/07/2026

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Kimberli (Kim) Gordon Yelverton, 64, of Raymond, MS passed away peacefully on January 2, 2026 surrounded by loving family and friends.

Kim was born March 15, 1961 in Vicksburg, Mississippi to Robert (Bob) and Sandra (Sandi) Gordon. She attended Halls Ferry Elementary, St. Francis Xavier Elementary, Warrenton Elementary, Warren Central Jr. High, and graduated from Warren Central High School in 1979. Afterward, she attended Hinds Community College, Mississippi State University and later earned a degree in Education from Mississippi College. Before earning her degree, she pursued part time teaching assistant roles in the Clinton Elementary School system. It was there, through the encouragement of other teachers who saw her potential, that she decided to obtain a degree in Education and make it her life’s work. Like her mother, she was a gifted and natural born teacher.

She joined Mt. Salus Christian School in 2001 where she taught Kindergarten for 23 years before retiring in 2024. She had a heart for Christ, a gift for teaching, and a passion for reaching the minds of little children. She lived a faithful life for Jesus Christ her Lord and used her gift of teaching to lead her students toward Him. Her enormous impact for good on the lives of her family, the many children she taught, and people she met will only be fully revealed in time and eternity.

She was married to her loving and devoted husband, Timothy (Tim) Lynn Yelverton, and they enjoyed 43 years together. They resided in the Clinton/Raymond, MS area where they raised their two sons, Matthew and Connor. She attended Wildwood Baptist church and was an active member within the congregation for 32 years.
She was given the name “Kimi” by her granddaughter Everly and later followed by grandson Logan. Nothing brought her more joy than spending time with her grandchildren. Her generosity and willingness to help others was remarkable. She was loved by all who knew her as well as those she had just met. Her kindness was a defining characteristic of who she was as a daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother, and friend. Her smile was contagious, and her selflessness was profound. She will be missed immensely.

Kim is survived by husband Tim; sons Matthew and Connor Yelverton (Kailyn); grandchildren Everly and Logan Yelverton; parents Bob and Sandi Gordon; brothers Trey Gordon (Karen), Todd Gordon (Cheryl), Scott Gordon (Rhonda) and Hayden Gordon; nieces Amber Gordon, Hannah Gordon, Kayli Claire Thompson; and nephews Hayes Gordon, Channing Gordon, John Gordon.

A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, January 10, 2026 at Wildwood Baptist Church which includes: Visitation from 11:30-1:00; service from 1:00 to 2:00; graveside and burial to follow at Lakewood Memorial Park at 2:30. Carpooling is recommended as parking at the church may be limited. Flowers are welcome; however, donations to Batson Children’s Hospital of Mississippi at UMMC in lieu of flowers is also welcomed.

An online guestbook is available at www.wrightferguson.com

01/06/2026

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Sammie Lee Mullins Gambles slipped away from her family and friends on December 25, 2025 at St. Dominics Hospital in Jackson, MS. She was 74. Sammie was born December 17, 1951 to Mr. and Mrs. C.D. Mullins of Mendenhall. Sammie was a passionate and skilled basketball player who was a

01/01/2026

A new year often brings a mix of reflection and hope. To the families we’ve served this past year: you remain in our thoughts. May 2026 bring you the comfort and strength you deserve. Happy New Year from our family to yours.

12/27/2025

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Robert ‘Leon’ Ellis, passed away peacefully in his sleep on December 26th, at the age of 93.

Born on September 21, 1932 in Kilmichael, Mississippi, Leon was the first of three children born to Gladys and Grady Ellis. He spent his childhood in the outdoors shooting squirrels, hunting quail, catching fish and often working at his father’s service station in downtown Kilmichael.

Leon attended Kilmichael High School and was very active in team sports and quite a talented athlete. He started as a high school varsity football player when he was in 8th grade, lettering in football, baseball, basketball and track. A treasured family memory is of the time he crowned his sister, Peggy, as homecoming queen the year he was Captain of the football team with his youngest sister, Dianne, being the team mascot and his future wife Boots, a cheerleader. His last football game as a Hornet, Leon scored 6 touchdowns against arch-rival Winona Tigers.

Leon married his high school sweetheart Mildred ‘Boots’ Pearson on May 17, 1952 and they enjoyed 73 loving years together. Early in their marriage Leon served his Country in the United States Army Corps of Engineers as a heavy equipment operator, a skill he learned while working for his uncle’s construction company and paving the way for his lifelong career in road building.

Boots and Leon settled in Louisville, Mississippi, where they raised their son, and spent many happy years with a large group of friends. The Ellis compound was a gathering place for their friends; often found playing cards, organizing dances and telling tall tales. Leon was a world class Parcheesi player and a gifted dancer.

Recently, he and Boots relocated to The Orchard in Ridgeland Mississippi to be closer to their son, daughter-in-law, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Leon was pre-deceased by his parents Grady Leon Ellis and Gladys Austin Ellis, two younger sisters, Peggy Ellis Box and Dianne Ellis Lancaster and niece, Shelia Lancaster Cargile.

Leon is survived by his loving wife of 73 years, Mildred ‘Boots’ Ellis, and his only child, Tim Ellis (Vicki). He is also survived by his three grandsons who affectionately called him Durr; Austin Ellis (Julia), Peyton Ellis (Bailey), Reed Ellis (Marita), and eight great-grand-children to whom he was known as Dirt. He is also survived by his nephew and nieces and their children and grand-children.

He was a man’s man, and enjoyed many hours of hunting on the Big Black River with his son, Tim, and nephew Mike Box, often returning soaking wet with stories of near drownings, sunken boats and lost guns. He was a dangerously fun and hands-on grandfather and leaves his grandsons with wonderful memories of age inappropriate scary movies, hatchet throwing, knife-wielding and lawnmower riding.

Leon was loved by all who knew him and will be missed. His friends and family are comforted by knowing he is now at home with his Savior.

On Monday, December 29, a visitation at 10:00 am followed by an 11:00 am service to celebrate his life will be held at Wright and Ferguson Funeral Home, 114 Burney Drive, Flowood, Mississippi, 39232. Interment follows at the Friendship Cemetery in Kilmichael, Mississippi.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be mailed to Help Hope Live, 2 Radnor Corporate Center, Suite 100, 100 Matsonford Rd, Radnor, PA 19087 in honor of Lucas Ellis, Leon’s great-grandson, or online at helphopelive.org/campaign/22306.

12/26/2025

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Robert Louis Pavy, Jr. of Clinton, Mississippi, was received into his eternal home on December 22, 2025. Born in Opelousas, Louisiana, on January 10, 1950, to Dr. Robert L. Pavy and Anna Mae Waguespack Pavy, Bob grew up in Lafayette, Louisiana, graduating from Lafayette High School and the University of Southwestern Louisiana. His business background spanned from work at McRae’s Department Stores to Viking Range Culinary Group. Known for his honesty and sincerity, Bob worked through challenges and sought solutions that helped him build strong relationships with colleagues.

Bob at home was a dedicated, supportive, and loving husband and father, employing that same dedication and resolve to support his sons through school, sports, and life’s other challenges. Then came grandchildren: joy, gratitude, and a fresh look at what life is all about.

He loved his church. The administrative gifts he recognized and used in early years, however, changed somewhat upon retirement. The Lord continued to work in him through studying His Word and service to His church. Bob’s dedication to the Monday Night Bible Study revealed new applications of his gifts. He also saw the need for a sober sense of his own shortcomings and a need to acknowledge them and to let the Lord work in him.

Bob is survived by his wife of fifty-three years, Nancy, sons Robert “Trey” L. Pavy, III (Jessica) and Matthew Penn Pavy; seven grandchildren: Anna Grace, Laura Louise, Selby Jane, Robert Louis, IV, Silas Abney, Isaac Sidney, and Sara Bethany Pavy; brother Francis (Cathi), and sisters Edith Pavy Beam (Bryan) and Camille Pavy Claibourne (Bill).

A Celebration of Life will be held on Monday, December 29, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. at Clinton Methodist Church with burial to follow at Lakewood Memorial Park. Visitation will be from Noon until 2:00 at the church.

Any memorials may be made to the church or to a favorite charity.

An online guestbook is available at www.wrightferguson.com

12/25/2025

Wishing everyone in our community a very Merry Christmas. From our family to yours—have a blessed and peaceful day.

12/23/2025

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Raymond Austin Baker, 28, entered into the loving arms of his Savior on December 19, 2025 in Nashville, Tennessee.

Raymond grew up in Clinton, Mississippi, where he graduated from high school. Born in Vicksburg, Mississippi, he lived a life full of purpose, dedication, and kindness. In his earlier years, he was a member of First Baptist Church in Clinton, where his faith provided meaningful community and strength.

Above all, Raymond cherished his family and friends with a fierce and unwavering love. He was the kind of person who made everyone feel seen and valued, always ready with a warm smile, a listening ear, or one of his signature good-humored jokes that could lighten any moment. His infectious sense of humor and genuine care brought joy and laughter to those around him, creating memories that will be treasured forever.

Raymond proudly served his country in the Mississippi National Guard. In 2023, he graduated from the University of Southern Mississippi, achieving a significant milestone through hard work and determination. He worked as an IT tech at Nashville Electric Service in Nashville, Tennessee.

In his 28 years, Raymond touched many lives with his steadfast spirit, warmth, and quiet strength. His memory will live on in the hearts of those who knew him.

Raymond was preceded in death by his biological mother, Jean Harrell.

He is survived by his devoted mother, Toni Jones; his father, Brantley Jones; his siblings, Kenya Baker (sister), Ashton Jones (brother), Dylan Jones (brother) and his wife Bailey, Raegan Hynum (sister) and her husband Caleb, John Richard (brother), Jordan Newell (brother), and Kenny Stevenson (brother); as well as too many cherished friends who were like family to him.

Visitation will begin at 10:00 a.m., followed by a celebration of Raymond's life at 11:00 a.m., on Saturday, December 27, 2025, at Wright & Ferguson Funeral Home in Clinton, Mississippi.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that contributions be made to Baptist Children's Village in Raymond's memory.

Though we grieve his passing, we find comfort in the legacy of love, laughter, and goodness he leaves behind.

An online guestbook is available at www.wrightferguson.com

12/23/2025

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Carolyn Donnell Aden, of Jackson, MS, died on Thursday, December 11, 2025, at St. Catherine’s Village in Madison, MS.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Monday, December 29, 2025, at Northminster Baptist Church, 3955 Ridgewood Road, Jackson, MS. Visitation will take place in the Great Hall beginning at 10:00 a.m. followed by the service at 11:00 a.m. in the Sanctuary. Inurnment will follow in the Columbarium at Northminster.
Carolyn was born in Pelahatchie, MS on February 28, 1939, to Roma May Donnell and Robert Ellis Donnell. She grew up in Jackson, graduating from Provine High School in 1957 and then from Mississippi College in Clinton, MS, with a B.S. in Home Economics. She taught for several years in the Jackson Public Schools, work that reflected her lifelong love of caring for others.

Carolyn married Dr. Barry Aden on July 28, 1962, at Calvary Baptist Church in Jackson, where she had been raised and baptized. Together, they built a life in Jackson and raised four daughters, creating a home marked by warmth and hospitality.

The kitchen was definitely the heart of the Aden home. A phenomenal cook, Carolyn always had delicious meals on the stove. Her girls remember spending time cooking with her, doing homework at the kitchen table, or sitting in the chairs at the kitchen window talking and laughing and, in the summers, shelling butter beans and peas together. At Christmas, the kitchen came alive with gingerbread men, hot chocolate, and spiced tea made as gifts for friends and neighbors.

Her daughters treasure her recipe box and cookbooks. If one can’t find a recipe, one of the other three has it. Family favorites include pimento cheese, pecan and lemon chess pies, and pound cake. Friends who stopped by the house rarely left empty handed, whether with soup from the big pot on the stove or a jar of that delicious pimento cheese. Carolyn shared not only her food, but also her home, always ready to host a gathering or set an extra place or two at the table.

Carolyn was also a gifted seamstress. Every Easter there were newly sewn linen and lace dresses for her daughters, and many of their school clothes passed through her hands. Every year, often in four more newly sewn dresses, her daughters were rounded up like clock work for the annual Christmas Card picture. Year after year, they protested but treasure those pictures now.

More than anything, Carolyn loved people. One of the kindest people anyone could know, she rarely met a stranger. Conversations often ended with the discovery of shared friends. She cherished her many close friendships, but she would say, without hesitation, that the great loves of her life were her husband, Barry, her four daughters, and her four grandchildren.

Carolyn was a devoted member of Northminster Baptist Church, where she quietly served through the Caregivers Committee, Meals on Wheels, and other ministries. She was a longtime member of the Mary Foose Sunday School Class, a place of friendship and faith that mattered deeply to her.

She is preceded in death by her parents and by her husband. She is survived by her daughters, Anne Russell Aden Bradley (Dr. Scott) of Hattiesburg, MS, Leigh Aden Box (Mike) of Madison, MS, Katherine Aden Rhodes (Patrick) of New Braunfels, TX, Barrie Aden Mahaffey (Dr. Eddie) of Brandon, MS, and her grandchildren Aden Marie Burchak Peroutek (Michael), Coleman Joseph Mahaffey, Andrew Lamar Mahaffey, and Nicholas Gordon Mahaffey.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be made to Northminster Baptist Church.

12/20/2025

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Mary Polk Montague Yerger passed away peacefully at her home on Saturday, December 20, 2025. She was born March 3, 1933, in Hattiesburg, Mississippi, the daughter of the late Ida Lois Polk Montague and Frank Douglas Montague. After growing up in Hattiesburg, she attended Randolph Macon Womans Colleg...

12/18/2025

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Mary Jane Dixon Fuerst, age 96, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, December 16, 2025. Born September 20, 1929, in Brownsville, Tennessee, she was the daughter of Isabel Drake Dixon and Chester Moore Dixon Sr. She attended the University of Mississippi Ole Miss, where she met the love of her life,

12/09/2025

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Rosemary Sterk Tolsdorf Hood, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, passed away peacefully on December 5, 2025. Born on March 29, 1949, in Royal Oak, Michigan, Rosemary lived a fulfilling life grounded in faith, family, and service to others. She made her home in Brandon, Mississipp...

12/06/2025

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Jerry Glynn Dennis, affectionately known by most of his coworkers and fellow hunters as S**g, passed away on December 1, 2025, at the age of 64. Born in Jackson, Mississippi, on January 16, 1961, Jerry was the son of James and Irma Dean Dennis. He grew up in South Jackson