Memorial Funeral Home & Crematory

02/02/2026

Jo Ann Walk Ferguson

Jo Ann Walk Ferguson age 89 died Monday February 2, 2026 in Mesa, AZ. A Mass of Resurrection will be held Saturday February 14, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. at Annunciation Catholic Church. Visitation will be held Thursday February 12, 2026 from 5 until 7 and again Friday February 13, 2026 from 4 until 7 at Memorial Funeral Home.

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01/31/2026

Elaina O' Neal Maykowski

Elaina O' Neal Maykowski age 72 died Saturday January 31, 2026 at her residence in Columbus. A Mass of Resurrection will be held Tuesday February 3, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. at Annunciation Catholic Church. Visitation will be held Tuesday one hour prior to the service at the church.

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01/31/2026

James Fraser Kinsey, Sr.

JAMES KINSEY- James Fraser Kinsey, Sr., known to everyone as Jim, passed away on January 31, 2026, at the age of 88.

Born in Augusta, Georgia, to Elizabeth Moss Kinsey and James Wade Kinsey, Jim lived a life defined by faith, family, and quiet generosity. Jim earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Augusta College. His career in the textile industry took him around the world and allowed him to be part of advancements that supported the medical industry. Jim was deeply involved in his community and was a longtime member of First United Methodist Church of Columbus, where co-taught the Ivy Sunday School Class.

Above all, Jim was a family man. He was the proud father of James Fraser Kinsey, Jr. (Susie), Leslie Kinsey Webber (Doug), Sheila Kinsey Orman, Richard Allen Kinsey, and Karen Kinsey Phillips (Scott), and was blessed with 12 grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren, and 3 great-great- grandchildren. You could almost always find him after church on Sundays having lunch with his family enjoying one of his favorites, Food Giant fried chicken. Jim found joy rebuilding old Chevys with friends, especially his beloved “Ole Blue.” He loved painting, admired the beauty of horses, and made sure his children were riding from an early age. He was generous in quiet ways—helping with educations, cars, vacations, or simply offering a helping hand.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents; his son, Ricky Kinsey; sister, Martha Kinsey; and wife, Carolyn Brandon Kinsey. He is survived by his brothers, Benny Kinsey and David Kinsey, both of Augusta, Georgia. The family extends heartfelt thanks to Mr. John Musa, George Burnette, Milford Hough, Christian Heinkel, Larry Huggins, Martha Waltman, George Poe, Carolyn Lowery, Mr. and Mrs. Tommy Vaughn, the Parish Sibley family, Phillip Goolsby, the members of “The Out to Eat Group,” and the nurses and aides of Baptist Hospice and Garden Hill Assisted Living, whose kindness meant so much.

A visitation will be held at Plymouth Bluff on Saturday February 7th, 2026, from 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

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01/28/2026

Patricia Dawson Thomas

Mrs. Patricia Ann Dawson Thomas (Ms. Pat) 85 - passed away Tuesday January 27, 2026 at her residence in Oakland, MS. Services will be held Monday February 2, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. at Memorial Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Mel Howton officiating; burial will follow at Brooksville Cemetery. Visitation will be held Monday one hour prior to service at the funeral home.

Ms. Pat Thomas was born in Columbus, MS on November 6, 1940 to the Late Mr. J.C. and Mrs. Vela Davis. Ms. Pat was preceded in death by her brother Johnny Davis and her late husband Mr. Ray Dawson, and daughter Terri Dawn Ruth. Ms. Pat was survived by her husband Charles Thomas. Her sister Nelda Davis Bennett and husband John. 8 children - Jim Dawson and wife Jane, Jeff Dawson and his wife Monica, Roger Dawson and his wife Benita and Daughter Sandy Trull and husband Louis, Charlie Thomas and wife Christie, Chris Thomas and wife Donna, Roxie Campbell and husband Kenneth, Renee Harvey and husband Bubba. Thirteen Grandchildren - Micheal Barksdale, Kenneth Barksdale and his wife Lauren, Alice Trull, Sherri Lucas and husband Bryan, Kyle Dawson, Matthew Dawson, Thomas Dawson and wife Audra, Michael Beard and wife Leigh, Sean Beard and wife Kim, Brandon Beard and wife Brandie, Jesse Dawson, Rae Ann Dawson, and Daniel Dawson. And 8 Great grandchildren. Ms. Pat spent over 30 years at Ceco Building Systems in Columbus, MS, where she ran the toolroom and was the first of the first few women hired in. Ms. Pat loved visits with all her family and friends especially sitting on the front telling stories of the good old days, loved fish fries and gardening. She was very compassionate and would have you laughing for hours with her sense of humor. She always had an open door policy - No child was ever a stranger and she was Mom and Grandma to everyone who came to know her.

Pallbearers Kenneth Barksdale, Jesse Dawson, Daniel Dawson, Kyle Dawson, Thomas Dawson, & Matthew Dawson.

Honorary Pallbearers Micheal Barksdale, Michael Beard, Sean Beard, Brandon Beard, Dalton Beard, Jason Barksdale, Colton Barksdale, Emerson Barksdale

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01/28/2026

Walter James

WALTER JAMES - Walter Keirn James, Jr., age 93, of Columbus, MS, passed away January 27, 2026, at Aurora Health & Rehabilitation. A private family memorial service will be held at a later date. Memorial Funeral Home & Crematory is in charge of arrangements.

Mr. James was born September 2, 1932, in Clarksdale, MS, to the late Walter Keirn and Martha Nelson James. He was the first of seven children. Mr. James worked for a number of years for the YMCA of Jackson, MS, and was a long time resident of the Care Center of Aberdeen. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his siblings, Lois Burns, Martha James, and Nelson James.

Survivors include his sisters, Nellie McPherson of Columbus, MS, Maude McWhorter of Biloxi, MS, and Nancy Pruett of Madison, MS, and a host of nieces and nephews, and great nieces and nephews.

Memorials may be made to Gentiva Hospice, 403 Hospital Rd., Starkville, MS, 39759.

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01/28/2026

Hollis Peel, co-manager of Memorial Funeral Home & Crematory, and a proud Kiwanis member is seen here on Wednesday, January 21, 2026 sharing with the club how trends in the funeral profession are changing.

With a staff of seven Licensed Funeral Directors, representing multiple generations, our profession may evolve—but our commitment to serving families with care and compassion remains the same.

01/27/2026

Thom Geiger

Thomas "Thom" Edward Geiger, age 72, passed away on Monday, January 26, 2026 at his residence in Columbus. A visitation will be held on Wednesday, January 28, 2026 from 1:00 to 2:00 pm at Memorial Funeral Home & Crematory. The family will have a private burial.

Thom was born on December 29, 1953 in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. After serving in the Airforce, he moved from Mountain Home Idaho to Columbus. He worked for many years at Beloit Manhattan before working as a computer analyst at the Air Force Base. He loved his animals and he loved Columbus dearly, having ran for office numerous times.

Mr. Geiger is survived by his wife of 30 years, Susan Geiger; daughters, Amanda Johnson (Darin), Cassie Rucker (Greg), and Jeanie Geiger; mother, Ruth Geiger; sisters, Suzi Muniz and Jan Bennett; and numerous grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.

Pallbearers will be Greg Rucker, Darin Johnson, Jacob Johnson, and Avery Woodcock.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his honor to The Columbus Lowndes Humane Society 50 Airline Road Columbus, MS 39702.

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01/27/2026

Louise Meadors Armstrong

Rachel Louise Meadors Armstrong began her Eternal Rest at the age of 92 on January 26. She was at home with her children in Columbus, MS.

Louise was born Nov. 17, 1933, to James Clair and Kate Watkins Meadors as the sixth of eight children in Clinton, S.C.

She began working in a drug store as a teenager and then worked as a South-Central Bell Operator for 20 years and across 3 states. She and her husband, Gene, were house parents at Palmer Home for Children in Columbus for a time. Then she worked briefly as a cashier and seamstress before beginning work at Kmart, where she retired after 18 years of service. In addition, she spent many years acting as a faithful primary caregiver through both Gene’s disability and Rachel’s cancer journey. We take comfort knowing she is now at rest with Jesus.

She was an avid reader and accomplished puzzle-worker. She skillfully handcrafted and gifted beautiful handsewn, crocheted, or needle-worked items. She earnestly and faithfully served her family, and often delightfully surprised everyone with her witty comments. She was particularly thankful to be a part of the Main Street Presbyterian Church family, for her grandchildren, and for her screened front porch overlooking her butterfly garden. And she loved chocolate.

She is preceded in death by her husband, Charles (Gene) Armstrong and her son, Rev. Charles (Chuck) Armstrong, Jr. She is also preceded in death by her brothers, James Meadors and Charles Meadors, and sisters, Ellen Meadors, Earline Meadors Ficklin and Anne Meadors Bagwell.

She is survived by a son, John Armstrong of Steens, MS, and daughters, Marianne (David) Field of Columbus, MS and Rachel (Lonnie) Lucas of Fountain, FL, and granddaughters Kaitlyn Lucas and Sara Lucas. She is also survived by a brother, Bobby Meadors, and sister Ruby Meadors Lanford, both of Clinton, S.C. along with a host of loving relatives.

Visitation in Columbus, MS, will be held Saturday, January 31 at Memorial Funeral Home & Crematory from 2-4 pm.

Funeral Services in Clinton, SC, will be held Saturday, February 7 at the Pinelawn Mausoleum Chapel at 3:00 PM. The family will receive friends prior to the service from 2:00 to 3:00 PM at the Mausoleum.

Memorial preferences of the family are St. Jude Children’s Hospital, Memphis, TN in honor of her daughter, Rachel, or Main Street Presbyterian Church in Columbus, MS.

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01/23/2026

Hannah Huff

Mary Hannah Huff age 86 died January 22, 2026 at Philwood Suites at Windsor Nursing Home. Funeral services will be Tuesday, January 27, 2026, 3:00 pm at Memorial Funeral Home with Bro. Sammy Crawford officiating. Burial will immediately follow at Memorial Gardens Cemetery of Columbus, MS. Visitation will be held one hour prior to service.

Mary Hannah Huff was born on June 23, 1939 in Columbus, MS to the late Winston Donehoo Huff and Lida Hannah Huff. Hannah was a 1957 graduate of S. D. Lee High School and she attended MSCW for two years. She was a member of Fairview Baptist Church and Emily Bates Sunday School Class. She began her career with South Central Bell at the age of 20 which later became AT&T until she retired in 1991 with 31 ½ years. Hannah loved being a chauffeur to all her sisters no matter where they wanted or needed to go. Hannah and her sisters shared an unconditional love with each other which was the foundation of their families which continues on today. It was very unusual to see Hannah without one of her sisters. Although she never married, she always considered her nieces and nephews her own and they loved her as their second Momma!!! Before her illness, Hannah loved to work in the yard, crochet, cross stitch, and bake the best homemade sourdough bread! Hannah loved Elvis!! All the way from Jail House Rock to his Blue Suede Shoes! She visited Graceland numerous times and had his last concert ticket which he wasn’t able to perform. Oh how she loved chasing the ambulance, police & fire trucks. Whenever she heard one, she would tell us all, “jump in” let’s go see Hannah loved her church and Sunday school. She spent much of her free time listening to sermons, studying the Bible, taking notes, and praying. There was no question how much Hannah loved Jesus! Hannah had the most loving and giving spirit to her family, friends, and to those she did not know. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her sisters, Willie Darnell Upton and Rose Marie Wright, her niece Melissa Ruby Upton, and Ray Gore (fiancé of Ellen Wright).

Survivors include Sisters: Lida June Upton Nieces: Teena Harris (Bo), Ellen Wright, Julie Murphy (Mark) Nephews: Don Upton (Vicki), Johnny Wright (Carol), Joe Upton (Leigh), Randy Wright, Darryl Upton (Nancy), Daniel Upton (Garlyn), and Tim Upton (Robbie). Great nephews/nieces:22 Great great nieces/nephews: 27

Serving as Pallbearers will be: Don Upton, Johnny Wright, Joe Upton, Randy Wright, Darryl Upton, Daniel Upton, and Tim Upton

In lieu of flowers memorial may be made to: Fairview Baptist Church 55+ Ministry 127 Airline Rd Columbus, MS 39702

St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital PO Box 50 Memphis, TN 38101

Special thanks to: Laura Hendrix and her staff at Philwood Suites, The Windsor at Plantation Point for the love, care and support that you gave to our sweet Aunt Hannah.

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01/22/2026

Charles Edgar Abbott

Charles Edgar Abbott age 84 died Wednesday January 21, 2026. Services will be held Saturday January 31, 2026 at 12:00 noon at Memorial Funeral Home Chapel. Visitation will be held Saturday from 10:00 am til service time at the funeral home.

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01/22/2026

Kenneth Hood

KENNETH HOOD - P. Kenneth Hood, 84, of Columbus, MS, died at Baptist Memorial Hospital on January 22, 2026. Funeral services will be Wednesday, January 28, 2026, at 2:00 PM at the First Church of the Nazarene. The interment will immediately follow at Memorial Gardens of Columbus with military honors. Visitation will be Tuesday, January 27, 2026, from 5:00 - 7:00 PM at Memorial Funeral Home & Crematory.

He was preceded in death by his wife Lois Hood, son Tim Davis, parents Lulee and Vaughn Davis, biological father, Pervie Hood, and sister Dathel Louise Music. He is survived by his wife Marilyn Cook Hood, daughter Darlene Ballard, his siblings Eddie Hood (Linda), Diane Smith (Rex), Judy Hood, Sharon Hood Fooshee (Larry), and grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

He was born in Mooreville, Mississippi, on August 29,1941 to Lulee and Pervie Hood. From 1959 to 1965 he served in the Army as a paratrooper. He studied environmental engineering at Mississippi State University. He worked for the Columbus Light and Water department for 37 ½ years. He was superintendent of the Water Department when he retired.

Kenneth was a follower of Jesus and lived a strong Christian life. He touched all who knew him. He loved gospel music and singing. Kenneth was a faithful church member and enjoyed singing solos and duets with his wife. Later in life he enjoyed traveling, not just for leisure but to serve others. He participated in mission trips to the Dominican Republic, Guatemala, and Romania. He loved crossing Canada and Alaska by train, enjoyed cruising to Mexico and various Islands, as well as attending blue grass and southern gospel festivals.

He grew up on the farm, and years later, when his father needed help with the crops, he was proud he could still plow a straight row. He loved playing basketball in high school but was a fan of Mississippi State Football. At Christmas he loved to make handmade gifts and do odd jobs for those in need. He was chairman of the building committee when the First Church of the Nazarene was built on Ridge Road. He loved to talk about his military days to anyone who would listen, particularly about his many experiences as a paratrooper.

Pallbearers will be Billy Wood, Gary Young, Jimmy Funderburk, Grant Davis, Larry Fooshee, Rick Diddebrand, Roger Tousley, and Roscoe Bandy.

Memorials may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital in the name of Delta Davis, (Kenneth's little niece who is undergoing treatment for Leukemia), 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN, 38105.

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01/19/2026

Dottie Nelson

Dottie Nelson-

Dorothy “Dottie” Louise Sanders Nelson, 103 ½, a resident of Columbus, MS died January, 19, 2026 at Trinity Independent Living. Visitation will be at 10:00-11:00 and a Celebration of Life service will be held in Columbus at First Methodist Church, 602 Main St., Columbus, MS 39701 on this Thursday, January 22nd, at 11:00 a.m. with Rev. Dr. Vaughn Stafford officiating and Gentiva Chaplin Adam Garner assisting.

A graveside service will be held in Montgomery, AL right behind White Chapel-Greenwood Funeral Home & Greenwood Serenity Gardens, 909 Lincoln Rd., Montgomery, AL 36109 on this Friday, January 23rd, at 2:00 p.m. at Greenwood Cemetery.

Dottie was born on August 5, 1922 in Cleveland, MS, and was raised in Columbus, MS. She then lived in Montgomery, AL from 1953–2007 and then moved back to Columbus, MS. She was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, great-great-grandmother, and the matriarch of her family.

She was an active member of the First United Methodist Church, Montgomery, Alabama and currently a member of the First Methodist Church, Columbus, Mississippi. Dottie was also an active member of the Lewis Fellowship Sunday School Class, in addition to J.O.Y. in Columbus, MS.

Before she lived in Montgomery, she rode a camel in Egypt, and lived in Germany. While in Montgomery, she traveled several places in the world, was active in a Bridge Club (40 years), played golf and was a member of a Federated Garden Club (30 years).

She has lived at Trinity Independent Living in Columbus, MS for the past 18 1/2 years and was the longest living resident at Trinity. She loved living there in her apartment where she made many friends over the years. Her favorite thing to do was play bingo and participate in many other fun activities. Each yearly Halloween contest, with the help of Nikki Austin, she would dress her up like Dolly Parton, Bat Woman, a Pirate and many other characters. Dottie so loved and all her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great grandchildren.

Wherever she would go, church, doctor visit, out to dinner, she would always dress herself in nice attire with matching jewelry from head to toe. Anytime she was out she would speak to everyone and start a conversation with them.

In addition to her parents, Milton & Louise Sanders, she was preceded in death by her, husband Thomas H. Nelson, Jr., brother Milton C. Sanders, step-son Bernard F. Nelson, step-daughter, Mary Joyce Kister, granddaughter, Samantha Nelson, step-grandson, Mike Kister and step-grandson-n-laws, Kelly Cohn & Ronald Jones.

Dottie is survived by her daughters, Patti (Kim) Johnson of Columbus, MS, Donna (Eric) Andresen of San Rafael, CA and son, Stephen D. (Terri) Nelson of Luverne, AL; grandchildren, Beth (Frank) Madeline, Becky (Mike) Stanifer, Emily (Ryan) Peacock, Julie Andresen, Cameron (Daniel) Nelson Reid; step-grandchildren, Claudia (Jerry) Burleson, Pam Jones, Nancy Cohn, Greg (Cindy) Nelson, Kim (Bob) Bessolo, Brian Nelson, Brad (Laie) Nelson, Shannon Cote, Ryan O’Neal; numerous great-grandchildren; several great-great-grandchildren; great-nice Holly (Stuart) Phillips, cousin Victor (Peg) Rea and special friends, John & Betty Noble.

Pallbearers will be, Mike Stanifer, Frank Madeline, Jeff Oetting and Daniel Reid. In addition to them, Stephen Burt and Pete Tortorici will be the other pallbearers in Columbus and Jay Vaughn and Ryan O’Neal in Montgomery. Honorary pallbearers will be John Noble, Trinity, Trinity Independent Living friends, and Lewis Fellowship Sunday School Class, First Methodist Church, Columbus, MS.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to St. Jude Hospital, Trinity Independent Living, 300 Airline Rd, Columbus, MS 39702, First Methodist Church, 602 Main St., Columbus, MS 39701 or your local charity.

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