Webb & Stephens Funeral Homes

10/03/2025

Carolyn Jean Edwards Smith

Services for Carolyn Jean Edwards Smith will be held Sunday, October 5, 2025, 3:00 p.m., at Bay Springs Baptist Church in Porterville, MS with Bro. Mark Newell officiating. Interment will follow in the church cemetery. Webb & Stephens Funeral Homes are honored to be entrusted with arrangements.

Mrs. Smith, 73, of Porterville, passed away peacefully on Thursday, October 2, 2025, at Baptist Anderson Hospital.

Carolyn graduated from DeKalb High School in 1970. She married the love of her life, Dr. Jim Lawson Smith, in August of 1971. She went on to receive her bachelor’s degree in English from the University of West Alabama, formerly Livingston University, in 1981. She was the past president of the Women’s Civic League of Kemper County as well as a member of the Kemper County Historical Association. She was a lifelong member of Bay Springs Baptist Church, where she played piano. She will be remembered most as a devoted wife, a loving mother, and a great example of faith in Christ. She will be greatly missed by all who knew her.

She is survived by her sons, Lawson Smith and David Smith; nieces, Paige Edwards Roye (Kenny) and Natalie Edwards Stewart (Deric); sister-in-law, Lynda Edwards Goodin; and aunt, Joanna Boren.

She is preceded in death by her husband of 38 years, Dr. Jim Lawson Smith; parents, Jesse Clyde and Dora Alice Puckett Edwards; and brother, Lowry C. Edwards.

Visitation will be held an hour prior to service at the church.

View Carolyn Jean Edwards Smith's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

09/30/2025

Charles Ted Dixon, Sr.

Charles Ted Dixon, Sr., 97, of DeKalb, passed away peacefully at his home on the afternoon of Sunday, September 28, 2025, surrounded by his loved ones.

Ted was born to Charles Lyerly and Alma Gertrude (Trammell) Dixon on February 9, 1928, in Memphis, Tennessee. On December 22, 1948, Ted married the love of his life, Barbara Jean Smith, and they were happily married until Barbara’s passing in 2020.

Ted will be remembered as a loving and devoted husband, father, grandfather, and friend. He was a man of integrity, who loved the Lord, his family, and his country. Ted proudly served his country for 22 years in the United States Navy, where he achieved the rank of Master Chief and worked in Aviation. He had a servant’s heart and was a faithful member to DeKalb Baptist Church for 51 years, serving in many aspects, including Deacon and Sunday School Director, Sound Board Operator and Chairman, and all-around church repairman and electronics installer.

Ted was known by many, far and wide, as the “TV Man”. He ran a television repair shop out of his home for many years and was known to be able to fix just about anything. He enjoyed all sports, but golf was certainly his passion.

Ted was preceded in death by his parents, Charles and Alma Dixon; his cherished wife of 72 years, Barbara Jean Dixon; his son, Charles Ted Dixon, Jr.; and his great-great grandson, Ezekiel Dixon.

Those left to cherish his memory are his daughters, Susan Harrell (Scott), Elaine Pace (Jerry), Patsy Lavassani (Ali); his brother, Bob Dixon; along with 18 grandchildren; and a legacy of numerous great grandchildren, and great-great grandchildren.

Visitation for Ted will be held on Thursday, October 2nd, from 10:00-11:00 a.m. at DeKalb Baptist Church. Funeral Services will immediately follow, with Dr. Scott Harrell and Rev. Joe Jackson officiating the services.

Burial will take place in the Rush Cemetery, where Ted will be laid to rest next to his beloved bride.

Serving as Pallbearers for Ted’s services will be David Dixon, John Harrell, Gene McArthur, Mark Robertson, Rob Smith, and Joe VanDevender. Serving as Honorary Pallbearers will be Dave Thomas and JL White.

The staff of Webb & Stephens Funeral Homes-DeKalb is grateful for the opportunity to honor Ted’s life and memory and to serve his loving family during this time.

View Charles Ted Dixon, Sr.'s obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

09/29/2025

CONGRATULATIONS to our incredible director Amanda Carney for placing second as 2025 Readers' Choice Best Funeral Director in The Meridian Star! You deserve this recognition, and we are proud of all the work you do!

09/11/2025

Twenty-four years may have passed, but we will always remember 09/11/2001, the day that changed our country forever. May we lift up in prayer all who lost loved ones, all who bravely walked into the wreckage to save lives, all who fought to remind the world how strong we are, and all who love our country enough to still defend it from those who would cause her harm.
Please take a moment today to pause, reflect, and pray for our nation.
Photo: FDNY Firefighter Mike Bellatoni kneels in prayer before his initial entrance into the wreckage of the Twin Towers. Photographer: Matthew McDermott

09/08/2025

Merl "Pappy" Edwards

Services for Merl “Pappy” Edwards will be held Wednesday, September 10, 2025, 11:00 a.m. at Webb & Stephens Funeral Home-DeKalb with Bro. Keith Lovett officiating. Interment will follow at the Edwards Family Cemetery.

Mr. Edwards, 84, of DeKalb, passed away peacefully on Saturday, September 6, 2025, at Rush Foundation Hospital.

Merl was a long-time resident of the Damascus Community where he lived with his wife of 66 years, Jan Edwards. He worked in construction for many years and did a lot of traveling, making many friends in many states. He loved working at his sawmill and his garden and reading his bible. He will be remembered as a devoted husband and loving father and grandfather.

He is survived by his wife, Jan Edwards; sons, Dale Edwards (Linda) and Scott Edwards (Hollie); daughter, Lori Kynerd (John); grandchildren, Kayla Johnson (John), Shad Edwards (Kim), Ryan Edwards (Lydia), Christopher Edwards (Stella), Kristin Kynerd, Colton Kynerd (Alyssa); many great grandchildren; several great great grandchildren; brother, Joe Edwards; sisters, Barbara Anderson and Frankie Haggard; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Gilmer and Mary Ida Edwards; brothers, Earl Edwards, Clifton Edwards, and Dennis Edwards; and nephews, Wesley Edwards and Jason Edwards.

Pallbearers will include Ryan Edwards, Colton Kynerd, Justin Edwards, Shad Edwards, John Johnson, and Garrett Thomas.

The family would like to thank Dr. Bracken, Nurse Practitioner Kim Topping, nurses Katie Upchurch and Nieda, as well as the staff of John Stennis Medical Center and Rush Foundation Hospital.

Visitation will be held an hour prior to service at the funeral home.

View Merl "Pappy" Edwards's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

09/06/2025

We're inching closer to 🍂autumn🍂 every day, and we know we can expect cooler weather, pumpkin spice flavored everything ☕, fall festivals, pumpkin patches, and more. We're always planning ahead and planning for change. With that being said, are you planned ahead for your final services? Let us help you with all your final wishes so that, no matter what changes life throws your way, no matter what season you find yourself in, you and your loved ones are always prepared.

09/04/2025

Jean Smith Reynolds

A graveside service for Mrs. Jean Reynolds will be held Sunday, September 7, 2025, 2:00 p.m., at Frazier Grove Church of God Cemetery.

Tommie Jean “Granny” Reynolds, 92, of Bailey, MS, passed away peacefully on September 3 at Mississippi Care Center of Dekalb, MS.

Granny was one of a kind. One always knew where you stood with her…good or bad. Her family was her pride and joy. Her greatest blessings were her grandchildren, whom she always referred to as Granny’s Darlings. She loved them fiercely. Granny and Papa were always ready to take them on a road trip in the motorhome whether it was to Mardi Gras, a softball tournament or a country music concert. There was nowhere she would rather be than spending time with Granny’s Darlings.

She was preceded in death by her parents Wilson and Celia Smith; husbands, Defay Poole and Hollie Reynolds; beloved sons, Herbert Poole and Tony Poole; an infant daughter; and special aunt Gladys Glass.

Those left to cherish her memory are Granny’s Darlings, Brandi Watson (Aaron), Stephen Poole, Belinda Hoffer (Kurt), and Suzanne Marshall; her great-grandchildren, Katlyn Hoffer (Blake), Taylor Hoffer (Destinee), Haley Rawson (Glenn), Walker Hoffer, Isabelle Marshall, Jonathan Marshall, Jake Watson and Jeremiah Watson; her great great grandchildren, Caroline Carney, Archer and James Rawson, Maci and Oakley Hoffer; and her daughters in law, whom she loved as her very own, Diane Poole and Cathy Wheat.

View Jean Smith Reynolds's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

09/02/2025

Mary "Blanche" Clay

Mary “Blanche” Clay, 92, of DeKalb, MS, passed away peacefully surrounded by her children and grandchildren on September 1, 2025.

Born in Stonewall, MS on October 4, 1932, to Edward and Avie (Gable) Evans, Blanche was the fourth of five little girls. Growing up in the Depression Era gave her the ability to make a lot out of very little which played a large role in the strong, confident, and independent woman she became.

She was one of a kind and not someone you met and forgot. Elected Homecoming Queen and graduated Valedictorian at Stonewall High School---beauty nor brains was she short on. While those are neat accolades to remember, what her family and friends will remember most is her love of the Lord and her boldness in sharing that. Saved at the age of 16 at Stonewall Baptist Church, her relationship with Jesus was evident in every aspect of her life—as a mother, a wife, a sister, a grandmother, and a friend.

She married Tom Lyle Clay in 1951 and lived in Kemper County where they raised their daughter, Crystal and son, Bruce. Being a mother and a homemaker was one of Blanche’s most rewarding jobs but just one of the many things she was so very good at.

She was a professional seamstress who could create or fix anything. She later took an opportunity to train as a deputy under then circuit clerk, Johnny Creekmore. This led to a successful career with her serving 5 terms as Kemper County Circuit Clerk. No one left her office without hearing about Jesus. Many also could share stories of other “advice” she gave on life. Most of those stories included laughs and phrases coined by “Nana” or “Mrs. Blanche”. A fan favorite was her opinion of the fit of young girls’ jeans and that “the only thing stronger than denim was the love of God.” You rarely left her presence without a laugh and a smile. She was truly something else. She was a devout Sunday School teacher and embodied what a Proverbs 31 woman truly is.

She leaves behind a legacy of her love for her family and Jesus. There was nowhere she was happier than when surrounded by her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. Her fervent and faithful prayers over their lives have and will continue to have a profound and lasting impact for generations.

Blanche is preceded in death by her parents; husband, Tom Lyle; and sisters, Willie Maude Gilbert, Helen Evans, Margaret Cook, and Sarah Cowan.

She is loved and missed by her daughter, Crystal Johnson (Jerry); son, Bruce Clay (Lauren); Grandsons, Matt Johnson (Hailey), Caleb Clay, and Zac Clay (Sidney); Granddaughters, Heather Watkins, Blair Waggoner (Seth), and Rachel Reeves (Chase); Great-Grandchildren, Hayz Johnson, Halie Mabry Johnson, Kyzer Johnson, Walker Watkins, Cash Lane Waggoner, Mack Lee Waggoner, Adalee Clay, Kason Clay, and Riley Reeves.

A celebration of her life will be held at 11 a.m. on Thursday, September 4, at Big Oak Church in DeKalb, MS, where she was an active long-time member, with Bro. Davey Wilkinson and Bro. Ben Jones officiating the service.

Serving as Pallbearers for Blanche will be Caleb Clay, Zac Clay, Matt Johnson, Hayz Johnson, Seth Waggoner, and Chase Reeves.

Giving and charity were a large part of Blanche’s life. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Blanche’s honor to Big Oak Church Cemetery Fund.

The staff of Webb & Stephens Funeral Homes-DeKalb is grateful for the opportunity to honor Blanche’s life and memory and to serve her loving family during this time.

View Mary Blanche Clay's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

09/02/2025

Bobbie Jean Harbour

Bobbie Jean Madison Harbour, 91, of DeKalb, MS passed away August 30, 2025, at Baptist Memorial Golden Triangle in Columbus, MS.

Bobbie was born to Laverne and Julia Madison on July 5, 1934, in Kemper County. She married the love of her life, John Lee Harbour, On July 7, 1952.

Bobbie was the proud owner of The Flower Shop in DeKalb, MS, for several years. She loved making funeral floral arrangements and decorating for various events. She was the Administrative Assistant to Senator John C. Stennis at his home office in DeKalb, MS. She loved traveling to Washington, D.C. and attending conventions and dinners. She held the position of County Administrator, as well as numerous other positions for her beloved Kemper County. She loved to prepare dinners for many of the county officials and events. She devoted many years to helping with county elections. She was a long-time member of the DeKalb Methodist Church, where she served on various committees and as a Sunday School teacher.

Some of her favorite times were getting together on Sundays after church and cooking for her family. She loved cooking for the holidays and made a special point to make sure every family member’s birthday was recognized by a special meal. She was well known for her homemade apple pies. She was a loving and devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend. She will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved her.

Bobbie is survived by her daughter, Janet Wade; grandchildren, Brad (Linden) Barefield, Brandy (Kenny) Robinson, Julia (Andy) McClelland, Stephanie (Jamie) McCain, R.J. (Holly) Harbour; great grandchildren, Brandon (Allie) Robinson, Tanner (Mackenzie) Robinson, Madison, Reagan, and Blaise Barefield, Cody and Sawyer McClelland, Briggs and Halle Mcilwain; a sister, Gloria Peden; niece, Sheila (Ronnie) Walterscheid; along with several great nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Laverne and Julia Madison; her beloved husband of 65 years, John Lee Harbour; her son, Robert “Bob” Harbour; her brother, John Wesley Madison; her sister, Shirley Madison; and her niece, Cindy Gibson.

Visitation for Bobbie will be held on September 3, 2025, from 10:00-11:00 a.m. at Webb & Stephens Funeral Homes-DeKalb. Graveside services will follow at Pine Crest Cemetery with Rev. James Ruffin, Rev. Owen Gordon, and Rev. Dr. Nancy Warner officiating the service.

Serving as Pallbearers for Bobbie’s service will be Keith Barnes, Pete McCleskey, Jeff Henderson, Joe Rush, Dale Harbour, and Steve Wade.

The family wishes to express their heartfelt gratitude to the staff of Waverly Home Care of West Point, MS, the staff of Gentiva Hospice of the Golden Triangle area, and the staff of Baptist Memorial Golden Triangle Hospital of Columbus, MS for their loving compassion and care of Bobbie.

The staff of Webb & Stephens Funeral Homes-DeKalb is grateful for the opportunity to honor Bobbie’s life and memory and to serve her loving family during this time.

View Bobbie Jean Harbour's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

08/29/2025

We will always remember August 29, 2005, the day that Katrina, a category 4 hurricane, struck our state, took the lives of over 200 Mississippians, impacted millions, and changed us forever.
Where were you when Katrina hit? What do you remember most?

May we never forget this day and pray for all of those impacted by this terrible storm.

08/27/2025

Jeanette M. Hagan

Jeanette M. Hagan, 90, of DeKalb, passed away in the early morning hours of Wednesday, August 27, 2025, at Ochsner Rush Foundation Hospital in Meridian.

Jeanette was born to Jasper D. and Annie Inez Perkins Massey on October 11, 1934, at home in Kemper County. She married the love of her life, Norman Wallace Hagan, on July 2, 1955. Shortly after they were married, Norman’s military career sent him to Germany, and Jeanette went along. They traveled all over while Norman was in the Army before making Meridian their home for many years.

She was fondly known by most as “Aunt Net”. She was a very independent and head strong Southern lady, who loved exercising three days a week with her closest friends, and until two weeks ago, loved mowing her own grass. She could also be found picking up pecans and picking blueberries when they were in season. Aunt Net loved her Lord and was a long-time member of Corinth Baptist Church. She loved to travel and go on cruises with her friends to many different places like Alaska. She also never missed a Tuesday playing Dominos with her ladies’ club. Aunt Net was a collector of many things along her journeys, mostly of memories, friends, and family. She will be deeply missed by all who knew her and loved her.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Jasper and Annie Massey; her husband of 53 years, Norman W. Hagan; her sisters, Inez Harbour, Eloise Darnell, and Ellen Gibson; and her brothers, Elbert Massey, Willard Massey, Buddy Massey, Lester Massey, and Earl Massey; along with her beloved canine companion, Buddy, who recently passed. Buddy had kept her company since the day of Norman’s funeral in 2009.

A host of special nieces and nephews, along with many great nieces and great nephews, are left to cherish Aunt Net’s memory. She loved and treated them all as if they were her very own children.

Visitation for Aunt Net will be held on Friday, August 29th from 1:00-3:00 p.m., at Corinth Baptist Church. Funeral Services will begin at 3:00 p.m. with Bro. Allen Gibson officiating the service. Burial will take place in the Big Oak Methodist Cemetery, where Aunt Net will be laid to rest next to her beloved husband.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests for donations to be made in Aunt Net’s honor to the Damascus Community Center or to Corinth Baptist Church, both of whom she loved dearly.

The staff of Webb & Stephens Funeral Homes-DeKalb is grateful for the opportunity to honor Aunt Net’s life and memory and to serve her loving family during this time.

Damascus Community Center: 7494 HWY 495 S, De Kalb, MS 39328

View Jeanette M. Hagan's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

08/18/2025

To our first responders, please join us for lunch from 11:00 am to 1:30 pm on Thursday, September 11th at our downtown location in Meridian as we honor the brave work you do for us and our community.