Brantley-Phillips Funeral Home

11/22/2025

William Denman Bridges

William Denman Bridges, 92, born on February 5, 1933, in McComb, Mississippi, passed away peacefully at home on November 21, 2025, surrounded by family. He was a revered psychiatrist who dedicated over 30 years of his career to serving the community at William Bridges MD in Pascagoula, Mississippi. His commitment to mental health and patient care left a lasting impact on countless lives.

William earned his medical degree (MD) at Ole Miss, establishing a foundation for a career devoted to understanding the complexities of the human mind. He served honorably in the United States Army, spending a year in Germany, where his experiences further shaped his compassionate approach to both life and medicine.

He is survived by his devoted wife of 72 years, Naomi P. Bridges, who stood by him through all of life's challenges. William's legacy continues through his children, Kaye Smith and Anne Bridges Yates, who is married to Robert, and his son, Charles Denman Bridges, who is married to Lana. His family also includes grandchildren Charles Keith Smith, who is married to Victoria, Leanna Marie Smith, married to Adam, Gloria Ward, married to Andrew, Austin Yates, Polly Bridges, and Remi Bridges. Additionally, he proudly leaves behind five great-grandchildren: Jeran Smith, Emberly Smith, Barrett Smith, Maddux Smith, and William Smith.

William was predeceased by his parents, Frank and Marjorie Bridges, and his brothers, Franklin and Ronnie Bridges. He also mourned the loss of his grandson, Taylor Yates. While his absence will be profoundly felt by his family and friends, they take comfort in the memories of his unwavering love, wisdom, and guidance.

Visitation and funeral services for William will be held on Sunday, November 23, 2025, at Brantley Phillips Funeral Home, located at 2470 Hwy 51 S, Hernando, MS. The visitation will start at 1:00 PM, followed by the funeral service at 2:00 PM. All who knew and loved William are invited to join in celebrating his life and the legacy he leaves behind.

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11/20/2025

Joyce Ann Cunningham Eads

Joyce Ann Cunningham Eads, lovingly known as Gram and Mom, passed away peacefully on 11/16/2025, at 2:43AM MST, at the age of 66. A long-time resident of Hernando,MS, Joyce was preparing for a new chapter as she planned to make her home in Colorado with her son and his family.

Visitation will be Monday, November 24, 2025 from 12 am until 1 pm with a graveside service to follow at Goodrum Memorial Cemetery in Eudora at approximately 1:15.

Joyce is preceded in death by her beloved husband, Doyle Eugene Eads.

Joyce is survived by her brothers, Kenneth and Robert Cunningham, her sister, Janet Ward; daughter Sarah and her husband, and their two children, Sylar and Audra; and her son William Eads and his wife, along with their three children, William, Levi, and Kaden. Her family was her heart, and she cherished every moment as a wife, mother, and Gram.

A dedicated and respected bookkeeper, Joyce built her business from the ground up, earning the trust and loyalty of clients who became lifelong friends. Her work ethic, sharp mind, and genuine care for others made her a valuable part of her community.

Joyce found joy in life’s simple and meaningful pleasures, porch sitting with family, enjoying good food and an occasional drink with good company, watching her grandchildren play, and settling in with a good book. Her presence was warm, steady, and comforting — the kind that made everyone around her feel at home.

Joyce will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her. Her legacy lives on in her family, in the lives she touched, and in the countless memories shared across porches, stories, and quiet moments.

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11/20/2025

Connor Brennen Yawn

A prince of a young man, Connor Brennen Yawn, passed into our Lord’s presence Nov. 15 in Memphis after an active and adventurous life.

Connor grew up in Memphis, attending Christ the King Lutheran School and CBHS and graduated with a finance degree from Ole Miss. He was a Rebels fan to the core.

Connor was able to ply his skills in Finance through first working for an investments advisory firm in Santa Barbara, before being hired to work in component part finance at a major defense contractor. Ultimately, as a senior advisor, Connor would work with key leading edge projects and served our nation and two allies, never disclosing even to his family the ongoing nature of his work due to security clearance protocols.

Connor was an adventurous soul and made the most of the fair Santa Barbara climate and natural sea and landscape. He would take horseback rides through the mid-mountain ranges, surf constantly and rent sailboats to wheel around seal-studded buoys in the coastal Pacific. He loved backpacking and camping with his many friends he made there.

Connor grew up in a family committed to Christ and the veracity of the Gospel message and over time, that picture truly turned on for him, layer by layer of its own accord. It influenced his family’s life, and his as a byproduct. One of his last events was attending a Christian men’s retreat conducted by friend and mentor Will Cowan to go over the deeper matters of life and the age-old faith.

He leaves his parents, Cathy and David Yawn, who have enjoyed the value of their 35 years in marriage, and his sister Lawrence Dunlap Yawn Monahan and her husband James who reside in Collierville. He also leaves aunts and uncles: Ree and Bettie Hart and Tate and Melissa Yawn, along with their children, his first cousins: Bo, Cam, Alexandra, Tate and Isabelle.

Connor followed his whole family's sense of adventure and was able to pursue many of his own life events such as attending a presidential inauguration and Tennessee delegation reception following, and accompanying his family on a cross-continental tour from Bruges, Belgium to Budapest, Hungary. He also was able to attend the K**b Creek target shoot exhibition event and saw the Grand Canyon and sections of Route 66 a year before he passed away. Connor loved family, fishing, hiking, old school music, target shooting, skateboarding, visiting his family’s lake cabin, spending time with his sister and parents, golfing, and socializing with friends.

A celebration of life service will convene in the Sanctuary of Second Presbyterian Church December 5 beginning with visitation in the wide concourse at 9:30 a.m., followed by the memorial at 10:30 a.m.

Tributes have poured in far and wide and our family is very grateful and thankful for the many expressions of love, support and prayers during this time.

In lieu of flowers, please honor Connor with memorials to the Warrior Center in Memphis.

Forever Young!

View Connor Brennen Yawn's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

11/20/2025

A prince of a young man, Connor Brennen Yawn, passed into our Lord’s presence Nov. 15 in Memphis after an active and adventurous life.

Connor grew up in Memphis, attending Christ the King Lutheran School and CBHS and graduated with a finance degree from Ole Miss. He was a Rebels fan to the core.

Connor was able to ply his skills in Finance through first working for an investments advisory firm in Santa Barbara, before being hired to work in component part finance at a major defense contractor. Ultimately, as a senior advisor, Connor would work with key leading edge projects and served our nation and two allies, never disclosing even to his family the ongoing nature of his work due to security clearance protocols.

Connor was an adventurous soul and made the most of the fair Santa Barbara climate and natural sea and landscape. He would take horseback rides through the mid-mountain ranges, surf constantly and rent sailboats to wheel around seal-studded buoys in the coastal Pacific. He loved backpacking and camping with his many friends he made there.

Connor grew up in a family committed to Christ and the veracity of the Gospel message and over time, that picture truly turned on for him, layer by layer of its own accord. It influenced his family’s life, and his as a byproduct. One of his last events was attending a Christian men’s retreat conducted by friend and mentor Will Cowan to go over the deeper matters of life and the age-old faith.

He leaves his parents, Cathy and David Yawn, who have enjoyed the value of their 35 years in marriage, and his sister Lawrence Dunlap Yawn Monahan and her husband James who reside in Collierville. He also leaves aunts and uncles: Ree and Bettie Hart and Tate and Melissa Yawn, along with their children, his first cousins: Bo, Cam, Alexandra, Tate and Isabelle.

Connor followed his whole family's sense of adventure and was able to pursue many of his own life events such as attending a presidential inauguration and Tennessee delegation reception following, and accompanying his family on a cross-continental tour from Bruges, Belgium to Budapest, Hungary. He also was able to attend the K**b Creek target shoot exhibition event and saw the Grand Canyon and sections of Route 66 a year before he passed away. Connor loved family, fishing, hiking, old school music, target shooting, skateboarding, visiting his family’s lake cabin, spending time with his sister and parents, golfing, and socializing with friends.

A celebration of life service will convene in the Sanctuary of Second Presbyterian Church December 5 beginning with visitation in the wide concourse at 9:30 a.m., followed by the memorial at 10:30 a.m.

Tributes have poured in far and wide and our family is very grateful and thankful for the many expressions of love, support and prayers during this time.

In lieu of flowers, please honor Connor with memorials to the Warrior Center in Memphis.

Forever Young!

11/17/2025

Bobby Eugene Roberts

Bobby Eugene Roberts, born on August 15, 1974, in Memphis, Tennessee, passed away on November 15, 2025, at Methodist Hospital in Olive Branch, Mississippi. A devoted family man and respected tradesman, he worked as a journeyman plumber for both J&A Plumbing and Hill Plumbing, earning a reputation for his skill and dedication within the industry.

He is survived by his son, Dalton Roberts, and his wife Lexie, of Senatobia, MS. Bobby is also survived by his father, P.W. Roberts Sr., of Coldwater, MS, and his mother, Cherri Lovitt, of Olive Branch, MS. He will be missed by his sister, Lisa McDermott, and her husband Frank, of Byhalia, MS, as well as his brother, Phillip "Phil" Roberts Jr. Additionally, he leaves behind his beloved grandchildren, Daisy and Henley.

A visitation will be held on Tuesday, November 25, 2025, from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM, followed by a memorial service at 1:00 PM, both at Brantley Phillips Funeral Home located at 2470 Hwy 51 S, Hernando, MS, 38632. Bobby's life was one of warmth, laughter, and love, and he will be remembered fondly by family and friends alike.

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11/16/2025

Stephanie Dawn Nabors

Stephanie Dawn Nabors, 50, born on July 25, 1975, in Clarksdale, Mississippi, passed away on November 10, 2025, at Baptist Desoto Hospital in Southaven, Mississippi. She was a dedicated member of the community, known for her hard work and commitment during her career at Sam's Town Hotel and Gambling Hall in Tunica, where she played a vital role in a variety of capacities.

Stephanie is survived by her husband William James of Hernando, Mississippi, who stood by her with unwavering support throughout their life together. She is also survived by her brother, John Nabors, and his wife Angie, of Nesbit, Mississippi, who cherished fond memories of their time together.

Stephanie was preceded in death by her parents, John and Patsy Nabors, who instilled in her the values of love and dedication. She was also preceded by her sister, Teresa Tate, both of whom she held dearly in her heart.

At this time, no memorial service is scheduled. Her legacy of love and kindness will continue to resonate with those who were fortunate enough to know her. Stephanie will be profoundly missed by her family and friends, remembering her warmth and the light she brought into their lives.

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11/14/2025

George David Arata

George David Arata, a proud Marine and devoted family man, passed away peacefully on November 13, 2025, at Baptist Desoto Hospital in Southaven, Mississippi. Born on July 13, 1939, in Memphis, Tennessee, George lived a life marked by dedication, kindness, and a love for the simple joys.

For over 15 years, George worked as a truck driver for Milwaukee Tools, embodying the spirit of hard work and commitment. He also enjoyed his time at the city park in Horn Lake, where he built connections with the community and shared his passion for life.

George's military service in the United States Marines was a cornerstone of his identity. A proud Marine, he carried the values of discipline, respect, and honor throughout his life. His friends and family will remember him not only for his service but also for his love and enjoyment for life, which included hobbies such as fishing and the skillful art of deep frying turkeys. He had an endearing fondness for chewing to***co and enjoyed sipping on diet coke, often reflecting a laid-back demeanor while cherishing time spent with loved ones.

George is survived by his beloved wife, Joyce Arata, whom he married in 1987. He leaves behind a legacy of love and strength through his daughters, Lisa Arata and Michelle Paul, along with her husband Joe. His sons, David Arata, Keith Arata, Chuck Arata, Terry Jones and his wife Rubie, Daniel Arata, and Dan Arata carry forward his spirit. George was also a proud grandfather to 13 grandchildren and great-grandfather to 27 great-grandchildren, who will forever cherish the memories of their time spent with him. He is remembered fondly by numerous nieces, nephews, and friends who were touched by his warmth and generosity.

George was preceded in death by his parents, Paul Arata and Margaret Kelly Arata, his son, Paul Philip Arata, and his sisters, Carolyn Perry and Jackie Hopper. Their absence is felt deeply by those who knew and loved them.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, November 18, 2025, from 9:30 AM to 11:00 AM at Brantley Phillips Funeral Home in Hernando, Mississippi. Following the visitation, a funeral service will take place at the same location from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM.

George David Arata leaves behind a legacy of love, pride, and camaraderie that will live on in the hearts of all who had the privilege to know him. His commitment to family, friends, and country will continue to shine brightly in the memories created and shared over the years.

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11/14/2025

Betty Jean Hollowell Usry

Betty Jean Usry, 89, a cherished member of the Hernando community and beloved matriarch of her family, passed away peacefully on November 13, 2025, at Highland Heights Hospital in Senatobia, Mississippi. She was born on October 20, 1936, in Mt. Pleasant, Arkansas, to Linford and Imogene Hollowell. Betty's warm presence and heartfelt dedication to her family and community will be profoundly missed.

A proud graduate of Tuckerman High School in Arkansas, Betty embarked on a fulfilling career in retail, serving as an owner and partner at Curtis Grocery in Hernando, Mississippi, where she built lasting relationships with customers and colleagues alike.

Betty was the epitome of devotion and love, celebrated for her role as a wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She is survived by her beloved husband, Curtis Usry, and their two children: daughter Tina Murchison and her husband Mark, and son Chuck Bursi and his wife Wanda, all of Hernando, MS. Additionally, her legacy continues through her adoring grandchildren: Rikki Ogle and her husband Donnie, Randi Elkins, and Christian Lee and his wife Tori, who brought her immense joy. Betty was also the proud great-grandmother to Emily Elkins, Tristan Ogle and his wife Ashley, Ethan Elkins, Tanner Ogle and his wife Elizabeth, Adaline Allen, Avery Quin Lee, and Stevie-Kate Ray Lee, and great-great grandmother to Parker Jean Ogle, who were the light of her life.

She was preceded in death by her parents Linford and Imogene Hollowell, her brothers Linford "Junior" Hollowell Jr. and Joe S. Hollowell, and her sister Martha A. Kinnard. The memories of her beloved siblings and parents will be held close in the hearts of those who knew and loved her.

Betty's passion and kindness extended beyond her immediate family; she cherished moments spent with her hairdressers, Dan Scruggs and Thelma Belk, who made her feel beautiful every Friday. Her resilience, generosity, and spirit enriched the lives of all she encountered. In lieu of flowers the family ask for donations be made to Hernando Meals on Wheels or the charity of your choice

Visitation for Betty Jean Usry will be held on Tuesday, November 18, 2025, from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM, followed by a funeral service starting at 3:00 PM at Brantley Phillips Funeral Home, located at 2470 Hwy 51 S, Hernando, MS 38632. Friends and family are invited to gather to celebrate the life of a remarkable woman who touched many lives with her warmth and grace.

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11/13/2025

James Aubrey Wooten Sr.

James Aubrey Wooten Sr., 90, affectionately known as Jim, passed away on November 12, 2025, at the State Veterans Home in Oxford, Mississippi. Born on December 9, 1934, in Memphis, Tennessee, Jim lived a life full of devotion, love, and service to those around him.

He dedicated 30 years of his career to Buchman Laboratories before retiring, leaving behind a legacy of hard work and commitment. A proud graduate of Horn Lake High School, class of 1952, Jim also showcased his athleticism by playing football at Northwest Mississippi Junior College. His dedication to service extended beyond his professional life; he proudly served in the United States Army spending two years in Germany, embodying the spirit of duty and honor.

Jim was a devoted husband to Bettye Lynn Hunt Wooten for 68 wonderful years. Together, they created a loving home filled with cherished memories. He is survived by his daughters, Jan O'Connor, married to Chuck, and Judi Ferguson, married to Ernie, his son, Jay Wooten, who is married to Kim and his brother Wylie Raymond Wooten who is married to Sally. Jim took great joy in being with his family, and his legacy continues through his 12 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren, all of whom he adored.

Outside of family, Jim found joy in playing golf and traveling with his beloved Bettye, enjoying the beauty of life’s adventures together. Most importantly, Jim had an unwavering faith and love for his Lord and Savior, rejoicing in the knowledge that he is now in heaven with Jesus.

Jim is preceded in death by his parents, Wiley Raymond and Geneva Louis Wooten. His presence will be deeply missed, but his spirit will live on in the hearts of his family and many friends.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, November 15, 2025, from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM, followed by a memorial service at 11:00 AM, at Longview Point Baptist Church, located at 1100 McIngvale Rd, Hernando, MS 38632. All are welcome to come and celebrate the life of a remarkable man who touched the lives of so many.

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11/13/2025

Darrell Allen Miles

Darrell Allen Miles, 64, born on November 8, 1961, in Memphis, Tennessee, passed away on November 12, 2025, at Baptist Desoto Hospital in Southaven, Mississippi.

A graduate of Whitehaven High School in Memphis, Tennessee, Class of 1980, Darrell dedicated much of his life to his career as a truck driver for American Paper & Twine, serving the Memphis area with diligence and commitment. His work extended beyond the job; it was an emblem of his dedication and perseverance.

Darrell is remembered fondly by his family, including his mother, Sarah Miles, of Olive Branch, Mississippi; his sister, Kathy Isbell, and her husband Rodney, of Florence, Alabama; and his niece Candy May and her husband Adam. He is also survived by his nephew Josh Isbell and his wife Ashley, alongside his great nieces and great nephews, Cayley, Avery, Dakota, Charlotte, and Jonathan, who will carry forward his spirit and memory.

He was preceded in death by his father, Marvin Miles, whose absence is felt profoundly by those who cherished their bond.

A series of services to honor Darrell's life will be held on Monday, November 17, 2025, at Elmwood Cemetery located in Memphis, Tennessee. The day will begin with a visitation from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM, followed by a funeral service at 12:00 PM, and concluding with a graveside service from 1:30 PM.

Darrell Allen Miles will be remembered not only for his professional contributions but equally for his deep familial ties, strength, and the love he shared. His presence will be profoundly missed, and his memory cherished by all who loved him.

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11/12/2025

Birma Sue Saltvick

Birma Sue Saltvick, 89, known affectionately as Sue, passed away on November 9,2025, at Baptist Desoto Hospital in Southaven, Mississippi, surrounded by family. Born on November 27, 1935, in Tyro, Mississippi. Sue was the widow of Dave Saltvick and was the cherished daughter of Thomas Cathey and Francis Collins Cathey, and sister to Elnar Hallum, all of whom have predeceased her.

A dedicated educator, Sue served as the Assistant Secretary to the Superintendent of Education for Orange County Schools in Orlando, Florida. Her contributions to the field of education were marked by a profound commitment to the academic and personal growth of her students and colleagues alike.

Sue received her Bachelor's Degree in Education from Ole Miss, graduating with the class of 1955. Her passion for learning and teaching inspired countless individuals throughout her lifetime, leaving a lasting legacy in the educational community.

Sue is survived by her niece Suzanne Carmon and her husband Danny of Hernando, Mississippi; her nephew Hal Hallum and his wife Kim of Lakeland, Tennessee; as well as her beloved great-nieces and great-nephews, including Paige Easley and her husband Jeremy, Rob Carmon and his wife Janel, Maggie Hallum, Buddy Hallum and his wife Madi, and Drew Hallum. She also leaves behind several great-great-nieces and nephews, all of whom will cherish her memory.

As we honour the life of Sue Saltvick, we remember her unwavering dedication to education, her warmth, and her loving presence, which touched all who had the privilege of knowing her. Her family will carry forward her spirit and the values she instilled in them, keeping her memory alive in their hearts.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to The Salvation Army or a charity of your choice.

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11/12/2025

Andrew “Andy” Augustus Massa

Andrew ‘Andy’ Augustus Massa died at his home on November 11, 2025. He was born on August 5, 1942, in Memphis, Tennessee, to Augustus and Sue Massa. He attended Sacred Heart School and graduated from Christian Brothers High School in 1960.

Andy was a proud United States Marine Corps veteran, master electrician, and a member of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 474 in Memphis for more than 61 years. He was also a member of Holy Spirit Catholic Church in Hernando, MS.

He is survived by his wife, Cheryl; sister in law, Dorothy Sheffe; his daughter, Andrea Barber; his son, Andrew Massa Jr. (Jana), grandchildren: Jennifer Cavataio Amos (Geoffrey); Kristin Massa; Gus Massa (Jordan); Taylor Moore (Haley); and by his great-grandchildren: Jordan, James Grey, Liza Clay, Mason, Sadie, Noah, and Gauge.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Ada Jones.

A graveside service is scheduled for family and friends Thursday, November 13, 2025, at 2:00 PM at Calvary Cemetery, 1663 Elvis Presley Blvd., Memphis, Tennessee.

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