Memorial Funeral Home & Crematory

09/16/2025

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09/15/2025

Steven Leonard Miles

Steven Leonard Miles age 72 died Monday September 15 2025 at his residence in Columbus. Arrangements are incomplete and will be announced later by Memorial Funeral Home & Crematory.

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09/15/2025

Bill Nation

BILL NATION - William E. "Bill" Nation, age 83, of West Point, MS, passed away September 15, 2025, at Dugan Memorial Home. A private family memorial service will be held at a later date. Memorial Funeral Home & Crematory is in charge of arrangements.

Mr. Nation was born May 6, 1942, in Columbus, MS, to the late Guy M. and Helen King Nation, Jr. He served in the National Guard and was retired from the U. S. Postal Service. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Florence Nation.

Survivors include his step daughter, Cynthia Hawkins of West Point, MS, grandson, Jordan Hawkins and his wife Macy of West Point, MS, and special nieces, Mary Ellen Scott and Anna Beers.

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09/05/2025

Marion Verlin

Marion Young Gilmore Verlin, age 98, of Jasper, GA, formerly of Columbus, MS, passed away September 4, 2025, at her residence. Funeral services will be Monday, September 8, 2025, at 2:00 PM at Memorial Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Bobby Sanderson officiating. The interment will immediately follow at Friendship Cemetery. Visitation will be from 1:00 PM until the time of the service at Memorial Funeral Home & Crematory.

Mrs. Verlin was born November 28, 1926, in Columbus, MS, to the late Horace Vardeman and Mary Elizabeth Gunter Young. She was a graduate of S. D. Lee High School and worked for Western Union for 33 years. Mrs. Verlin then moved to the the Blue Ridge Mountains where she loved the fresh air. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husbands, Luther Lloyd Gilmore and Robert L. Verlin, daughter, Lillian Allyson Gilmore, and sisters, Julia Faye Lollar and Mary Evelyn Cochran.

Survivors include her sons, Alan Gilmore and his wife Margie of Canton, GA, and Gary Luther Gilmore and his wife Mary of Jasper, GA, daughter, Sharon Elizabeth Gilmore and her husband Charles Williams of Woodstock, GA, grandchildren, David Alan Gilmore, Heather Elizabeth Gilmore, Robert Lloyd Gilmore, and Gregory Scott Gilmore, and great grandchildren, Janie Grace Parrish, Benjamin Garrett Gilmore, Colton James Gilmore, and Lilah Jane Gilmore.

Pallbearers will be Benjamin Gilmore, Colton Gilmore, Rob Gilmore, Gregory Gilmore, and David Gilmore.

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09/04/2025

Diane Lawrence

Diane Burks Lawrence, 77, left this world on September 3, 2025. She passed peacefully at home with no prior warning of her passing. Funeral services will be held at First Methodist Church on Monday September 8, 2025, with Rev. Dr. Vaughn Stafford officiating.

Visitation will start at 9:30 a.m. and the funeral service will be at 11:30 a.m.. The burial will follow at Friendship Cemetery, in Columbus, MS. Memorial Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.

She was born July 27, 1948, in Columbus, MS to parents Earl Buren and Frances Miller Burks. She was the second of five children. She was married to the love of her life, Jim Lawrence, for 46 years, until his passing in 2015. They were parents to two sons, Andy Lawrence and Randy Lawrence. Diane graduated from Stephen D. Lee High School, Class of 1966, and enjoyed many class reunions with her classmates. She attended Mississippi State College for Women, now known as Mississippi University for Women, and graduated from Delta State University with a degree in accounting. She worked as an accountant all her life and was the owner of Lawrence Accounting and Tax for many years. She was a friend to all she met. She grew up in the First Cumberland Presbyterian Church where she made life long friends and started her spiritual journey. She was active in the First Methodist Church all her adult life and recently was a teacher in her Sojourners Sunday School Class, served on the Church Council, was a member of Church Circle 6 of the Methodist Women, was a member of the choir, and a Prayer Pals member. She was also active in the American Legion’s women’s auxiliary group locally and on the state level, and she was a member of the Lowndes County Republican Women. She loved her family, and was always up for trips and get-togethers. She sent out a family text each Friday night to see who all was going out to eat and where we wanted to eat. She had recently made a trip to the Holy Lands in Israel with a group from her church, where she was re-baptized in the Jordan River. She felt really blessed to make that trip. She is already missed by her family and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, his parents, Roy Richard and Jewell Wallena Lann Lawrence and one brother, Kerry Burks. She is survived by her sons, Randy (Shanda) Lawrence, their children, Elizabeth (David) Richardson, Jonathan Lawrence, Matt Lawrence, and Brit Bingham; and Andy (Brooke Ann) Lawrence, their children, Noah Lawrence, Emma Kate Lawrence, and Luke Lawrence. She is also survived by her brothers, Earl Buren (Maggie) Burks, Jr., their daughters and grandson, Cindy Burks, Vicky DeOrnellis, and Mason (Kiersten) DeOrnellis; Mike (Gwen) Burks, and their daughter and granddaughter, Lacy (Robert) Cooper, and Avie Lee Cooper; and her sister, Debbie Burks, and her brother-in-law, Richard (Dana) Lawrence of Little Rock, Arkansas.

Pallbearers will be grandsons, Noah Lawrence, Luke Lawrence, Jonathan Lawrence, Matt Lawrence, and Brit Bingham, and nephews Mason DeOrnellis, and Robert Cooper. Honorary pallbearers will be her Prayer Pals, Patti Johnson, Jan Horton, Lee Tortorici, Judy Waller, Freida Burt, and Jane Crigler Currin.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Legion. One of her last selfless acts is being an organ donor.

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09/03/2025

Elizabeth Spencer

Ola Elizabeth Coleman Spencer, age 86, of Columbus, MS, passed away September 3, 2025, at her residence. Funeral services will be Saturday, September 6, 2025, at 1:00 PM at Memorial Funeral Home Chapel. The interment will immediately follow at Mt. Vernon Cemetery. Visitation will be from 12:00 PM until the time of the service at Memorial Funeral Home & Crematory.

Mrs. Spencer was born October 15, 1938, in Pickens County, AL, to the late Marler D. and Vernie Lee Clemmons Coleman. She was a graduate of New Hope High School where she enjoyed playing on the basketball team. Mrs. Spencer worked for the Caledonia Manufacturing Company for 25 years then worked as a certified nursing assistant until her retirement. She was a member of the Victory Freewill Baptist Church. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Claude A. Spencer, daughter, Wanda Cash, son-in-law, Sonnie Hooper, and brothers, Albert Coleman, Carl Coleman, and Millard Coleman.

Survivors include her sons, Terry Wayne Spencer and his wife Rebecca of Columbus, MS, and Wayne Spencer and his wife Cheryl of Natchez, MS, daughter, Patsy Hooper of Gretna, LA, grandchildren, Christopher Spencer, Casey Spencer, Derek Cannon, Merenda Cannon, Sharon Brubaker, Deborah Hooper, Susan Hooper, Sonya Upton, and Julia Shrout, 14 great grandchildren, and 3 great great grandchildren.

Memorials may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN, 38105.

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08/28/2025

Laura W Glenn

Laura Ann Waring Glenn left her earthly home on Wednesday, August 27, 2025. Visitation will be Tuesday, September 2, 2025, from 6:00 to 8:00 pm at Memorial Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, September 3, 2025 at 11 am at the funeral home, with Rev. Mel Howton officiating; burial will follow at Furnace Hill Cemetery in Vernon, AL. Memorial Funeral Home & Crematory has been entrusted with arrangements.

She was born to William E. and Dollie Waring on December 31, 1945. She was a graduate of Caledonia High School in May 1964. She worked at Seminole Manufacturing Company as payroll supervisor, and she then joined her husband in the trucking business. She later worked at Columbus Light and Water doing payroll and billing.

She is preceded in death by her husband, Raymond Glenn and all of her siblings. She is survived by one daughter, Candace Walters (Ron) of Columbus, MS. She leaves many nieces and nephews, whom she loved as her own.

Serving as pallbearers will be Mike Keene, Brandon Keene, Matt Keene, Steven Keene, Tommy Hopkins, and Greg Jacobs. Honorary pallbearers will be Tim Cox and Dennis Baucom.

The livestream for Mrs. Glenn can be viewed at

https://event.forgetmenotceremonies.com/ceremony?c=11f83c37-26f2-4e34-9599-6346c6942c93

It will begin shortly before 11:00am on Sept. 3, 2025

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08/27/2025

Johnny Coleman

JOHNNY COLEMAN, JR.

Johnny Jerome Coleman, Jr., age 78, passed away Wednesday August 27, 2025, at North MS Medical Center in Tupelo, MS. Visitation will be Tuesday September 2 at 9:00 a.m. followed by the funeral service at 10:30 a.m. at First Methodist Church in Columbus, MS, with Rev. Glenn Miller officiating. Graveside service and burial will be at 2:00 p.m. in Aberdeen, MS, at Odd Fellows Cemetery. Memorial Funeral Home & Crematory has been entrusted with all arrangements.

Johnny was born May 30, 1947, in Aberdeen, MS, to the late Johnny Jerome and Pauline Goodwin Coleman. He played football and basketball for the Aberdeen Bulldogs and graduated from Aberdeen High School in 1965. Among his many school honors he was elected Mr. AHS by his classmates. He continued his pursuit of education at Mississippi State University earning a Bachelor of Science in Physical Education in 1970 and Master of Education in 1991.

Johnny’s passion for music began in his early teens. Having no formal music education, he had a unique natural ear for the sound of music. He was a member of the AHS Boys’ Quartet; and at the age of 15 formed his first band, The Spyders. Dancing at the American Legion Hut in Aberdeen on Friday nights to the sounds of Johnny and The Spyders became a highlight for fellow classmates and teenagers in neighboring towns. At 16 he was singing R&B and rock and roll all across north MS in multiple bands, most notable Swing Shift, which he founded in 1985 and played with until he retired in 2022. He recorded three albums of original music and played at many famous local venues such as the Playmore Club, Southernaire Club, the Depot and local festivals like Market Street, Prairie Arts, Amory Railroad, Sounds of Summer—with the largest venue in 1990 being Go Fourth at Columbus Air Force Base with a crowd of 40,000 people.

Johnny’s love of God began while growing up in the Primitive Baptist Church. In his early adult life he was a member of Central United Methodist and later joined First Methodist Church of Columbus. He shared his musical talents by singing in the church choirs and helping organize the FMC OASIS worship band. Johnny could easily be recognized in the choirs as his head “bobbed” to the beat of every song.

He was a hard worker who helped build the Columbus Lock and Dam. He loved working on and driving old VWs like his yellow VW Thing. Johnny was employed in various positions but found greatest satisfaction as a coach and teacher. Not only did he teach his students about the world of science, but he also served as an encourager and mentor. His winning personality spilled over into the classroom and made for interesting interaction with his students. He was known as a firm but fair teacher who always had a smile. Johnny retired after 34 years of employment in the Aberdeen and Columbus school systems and EMCC-CAFB.

Johnny is survived by his daughters Allicyn Hewett of Pearl, MS; Sarah Coleman of Melbourne, AU; sons John Coleman of Caledonia; Danny Walker of Memphis, TN; stepdaughter Katye

(Andy) Taylor of Chattanooga, TN; and stepson Clay Herring of Starkville; granddaughter Kalin (Zack) Asadi of New Hope and step-granddaughter Carter Taylor of Chattanooga, TN; one brother Dennis (Penny) Coleman of Columbus; nephew David (Christy) Coleman of Columbus; nieces Missy Coleman of Hernando; and Jennifer (Jon) Stone of Southaven.

He was preceded in death by his parents, former wife Karen Murff Coleman and late wife Molly Malone Coleman.

Pallbearers are Zack Asadi, Craig Blaylock, Bird Crane, Ben Ferrell, Tony Foster, Robin Roberts, Gary Shaw, Larry Young, and honorary pallbearer David Coleman.

The family extends its heartfelt appreciation and thanks to special caregiver Dorothy Bridges for her compassionate care, dedication and kindness.

Donations in memory of Johnny may be made to LeBonheur Children’s Hospital, 848 Adams Avenue, Memphis, TN 38103.

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08/26/2025

Juanita Lee Burkett

Juanita Lee Burkett, 89, passed away peacefully at her residence on Tuesday, August 26. Born on January 5, 1936, in Lincoln, Nebraska, to Merle and Goldie Bowers, Juanita lived a life marked by devotion to family and community. Alongside her husband, Lt. Col. Richard C. Burkett, she moved with the military to Columbus in 1965, where they raised their four daughters. Juanita enjoyed bowling, square dancing, and golf, and was a dedicated wife and mother. In her younger years, she treasured spending time with her family—gathering, sharing meals, and making memories together.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Merle and Goldie Bowers; her sisters, Laura Mae Lambert and Eleanor Brooks; her brother, Richard Bowers; her husband, Richard Burkett; son-in-law, Johnny Nutt: and great-grandson, Benjamin Stanton. She is survived by her daughters: Deborah (Mike) Henderson-Asher, Cindy Nutt, Lori (Doug) Lee, and Suzy Stanton. Juanita also leaves behind her beloved grandchildren: Melanie (Nate) Caulder, Colby Nutt, Zach (Jardin) Stanton, Matt (Harley) Stanton, Katy (Jason) Blackston, and seven great-grandchildren, as well as many nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held at Memorial Funeral Home on Tuesday, September 2, at 10:00 a.m., followed by the funeral service and burial at Friendship Cemetery. Memorial Funeral Home & Crematory has been entrusted with all arrangements.

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08/25/2025

Francis Slater

Francis Eugene Slater, age 83, of Columbus, MS, passed away August 24, 2025, at Baptist Memorial Hospital. A graveside service will be held Saturday, September 13, 2025, at 11:00 AM at Mt. Vernon Cemetery. Memorial Funeral Home & Crematory is in charge of arrangements.

Mr. Slater was born October 17, 1941, in Denison, IA, to the late Frank and Edna Peters Slater. He was a graduate of Denison High School and served in the United States Navy from 1962 - 1965. Mr. Slater was a carpenter and construction director for many years, primarily in restaurant construction.

Survivors include his wife of 48 years, Barbara Beatty Slater of Columbus, MS, daughters, Pamela Hege of Decatur, GA, and Kim Watkins of Portland, OR, and grandchildren, McKenna Watkins of Portland, OR, and Graham Hege of Decatur, GA.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Columbus Lowndes Humane Society, 50 Airline Rd., Columbus, MS, 39702, or to the donor's favorite charity.

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08/22/2025

Andy Barksdale

Andy Ray Barksdale, age 64, of Steens, MS, passed away August 22, 2025, at his residence. Memorial Funeral Home & Crematory is in charge of arrangements.

He is preceded in death by his parents, L.C. Barksdale of Columbus, MS, and Mattie Jane McDill of Crossville, AL, as well as his brother, Timmy Barksdale (Brenda) of Pass Christian, MS. Andy is survived by his daughter, Malene Barksdale, and his two beloved grandchildren, Landon Keating and Maeleigh Barksdale, all of Columbus, MS. He also leaves behind three sisters: Vicki Smith (Harvey) of Hesperia, MI; Gayla Roenspie (Phillip Judge) of Pass Christian, MS; and Alice Shaw (Farley) of Steens, MS; along with two brothers, Barry Barksdale of Pass Christian, MS, and Johnny Barksdale of Anniston, AL. He will also be remembered by several nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins, and countless friends. Andy was a simple man, “free as a bird.” A true survivor, stubborn as a mule, and always a straight shooter, Andy never held back—if he thought it, he said it. But those closest to him also knew his gentler side: a man who would give you the shirt off his back and ask nothing in return. If he had it and you needed it, it was yours. A natural treasure seeker, Andy was always on the hunt for something interesting—whether to give away or to sell—and he never failed to have a story to share. While many sounded like tall tales, each one was drawn from the pages of his life as a free spirit. His humor, generosity, and unforgettable presence will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him.

A celebration of Andy’s life will be held at a later date. The family invites friends and loved ones to gather, share stories, and honor the memory of a man who lived life on his own terms.

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08/22/2025

Marian Beall

Marian Theresa Schaff Beall, a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and resident of Columbus, Mississippi, entered into eternal rest on August 22, 2025, at the age of 71.Born on July 18, 1954, in Vicksburg, Mississippi, Marian was the daughter of the late Vincent Schaff and Clara Callahan Schaff. She graduated from St. Aloysius High School in Vicksburg and later from Mississippi State University.Marian was united in marriage to Joe Beall, her beloved husband of 50 years. Their life together was one of faith, love, and devotion, and the family they built was Marian’s greatest joy. She is survived by their son, David Beall, and his wife, Erin Marsh Beall, of Saltillo, Mississippi, as well as by her adored grandchildren, Callahan, Sanders, and Audrey Beall. They were the light of her life.She is also survived by her loving siblings: Mary Claire Schaff Maggio and husband Robert of Navasota, Texas; David Schaff and wife Margaret of Water Valley, Mississippi; and Jeanne Schaff Guichard and husband Kenneth of Metairie, Louisiana. She was preceded in death by her parents, her in-laws Walter and Loriece Beall, her niece Marie Guichard, and brother-in-law Laurence Vernon Beall.Marian’s faith was at the very heart of who she was. She loved her Catholic faith in all its beauty and mystery, finding God especially in the simple, everyday moments. Her friends were like family to her—true reflections of God’s love made visible in her life.She had a gift for joy and laughter, sharing both generously with those around her. She loved music, the little things that made life sweet, and even admitted that shopping could lift her spirits. She loved her cat Percy - period. Above all, Marian lived with the peace of knowing she would one day be with God. She embraced that thought with faith and hope.Her presence will be deeply missed, but her love, laughter, and faith will remain a lasting legacy for all who knew her.A Celebration of Life honoring Marian will be held at Annunciation Catholic Church, 823 College Street, Columbus, Mississippi on Friday, August 29, 2025 at 11:30. This will be preceded by visitation in the church atrium beginning at 10:30.In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Global Connections: info@globalconnectionsonline.org or Annunciation Catholic School: annunciationcatholicschool .org

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