Southern Funeral Chapel

01/19/2026

Gaylon Smith Alford, 88, passed away at Diversicare Nursing Home in Eupora on Friday, January 16, 2026. Born March 20, 1937, in Thorn, he was the son of the late Roy Raymond Alford and the late May Lou Welch Alford. He attended Houston High School, and he was a longtime member of Starkville Church of God. After school, he served his country as a member of the United States Army, and he was deployed to Germany during the years following World War II. After his time in the service, he began his career as a long-haul trucker, and that was the only job he had until his retirement.

Gaylon was loved by his friends and family, and they will forever remember him in their hearts.

Funeral Services will be held on Monday, January 19, 2026, at 2:00pm at Southern Funeral Home, with Bro. Dennis Laughlin officiating. Visitation will be held prior to the service from 12:00pm to 2:00pm at the funeral home. Interment will be held at Chickasaw Memorial Gardens in Houston.

Pallbearers will be Jerry Martin, Neal Myatt, Nathan Bray, and Tyler Hodnett.

Southern Funeral Home has the honor of serving the Alford family.
He leaves behind his children, Gayla Hodnett of Pheba; Zane Alford (Kathy Jo) of Enid; Victor Alford (Tracy) of Oxford, and Chad Alford (Mandy) of Southaven; sisters, Theresa Huffman of Houston and Eva Gayle Criddle of Houston; 10 grandchildren; and 13 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded by his parents, Roy and Mary Lou Alford; his wife, Katherine Edwards Baughman Alford; and sisters, Becky Alford Lyle and Wanda Alford Harrell.

Expressions of sympathy may be left for the family at www.southernfuneralchapel.com

01/17/2026

Gaylon Smith Alford, 89, passed away on Friday, January 16, 2026, at Diversicare Nursing Home in Eupora.

Visitation will be held on Monday, January 19, 2026, from 12:00pm to 2:00pm at Southern Funeral Home.

Funeral Services will also be held on Monday, January 19, 2026, at 2:00pm at Southern Funeral Home.

A complete obituary will be posted as soon as it becomes available.

Please keep the Alford family in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.

01/10/2026

Martin Moore Edmondson, 83, passed away at Sanctuary Hospice House in Tupelo on Friday, January 9, 2026.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, January 10, 2026, from 4:00pm to 6:00pm at SOUTHERN Funeral Home in Houston.

A complete obituary will be posted as soon as it becomes available.

Please keep the Edmondson family in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.

01/08/2026

Robert Harold Pennington, 50, passed away on Tuesday, January 6, 2026 at North MS Medical Center in Tupelo. He was born in Gaffney, SC on November 23, 1975 to William Pennington and Luanne Ellard Pennington Farr. Robert moved to Houston, MS at a young age and was a graduate of Houston High School. He enjoyed working in the sweet potato fields and worked for Pettit Farms until his health declined. Family was very important to Robert and he loved them dearly. He enjoyed spending as much time as possible with his beloved brothers. But most of all, he loved his daughters and being a great "girl Dad". He coached softball, was a Girl Scout Troup leader, and would even take his daughter to beauty pageants. He also loved spending time with his grandchildren and spoiling them. In his free time, he enjoyed grilling out, watching his television shows and listening to rap music. He would give a helping hand to anyone that needed something. He leaves behind many special memories for his family to treasure and will be greatly missed by all that knew him.

Southern Funeral Home of Houston is honored to serve Robert's family.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, January 10, 2026 at 2:00 at Southern Funeral Home in Houston with Bro. Bobby Brock officiating. Burial will follow in Macedonia Cemetery. Visitation will be on Saturday, January 10 from 12:00 pm until service time at 2:00 pm at the funeral home.

Serving as pallbearers will be Nathan Patterson, Justin Pennington, Tyler Childress, Steven Edwards, Xavier Bolin, Julian Bolin and David Bolin. Honorary pallbearers are Thomas Moore, Robert Farr, Ricky Pennington, and the staff of NMMC.

Robert is survived by his mother and step-father, Luanne and Robert Farr of Houston; children, Ballie Childress (Tyler) of Houston, Brittnay Pennington of Houston, and Summer Yeager of Houston; grandchildren, Nataleigh Head, Baylen Childress, Axleigh Childress, and Kingston Childress; brothers, David Bolin (Rosie) of Orlando, FL and Ricky Pennington of Crystal Springs, MS; grandmothers, Mary Lou Ellard of Gaffney, SC and Alice Farr of Houston; and a host of nieces and nephews, Alyssa Bolin, Mariana Bolin, Xavier Bolin, and Julian Bolin.

He was preceded in death by his father, William Pennington; grandmother, Mammie Penninton; and his grandfathers, Robert “Bucky” Ellard, Harold Pennington and T.L. Farr.

Expressions of sympathy for the family may be left at www.southernfuneralchapel.com

01/07/2026

Robert Pennington, 50, passed away on Tuesday, January 6, 2026 at NMMC in Tupelo.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, January 10, 2026 at 2:00 Southern Funeral Home in Houston. Burial will follow in Macedonia Cemetery. Visitation will be held on Saturday, January 10 from 12:00 noon until service time at 2:00 at the funeral home.

A complete obituary will be posted as soon as available.

Please remember Robert's family in your prayers.
Expressions of sympathy may be left for the family at

Southern Funeral Home, Inc. Welcomes You. Since 1987, Southern Funeral Home, Inc. has provided dedicated and compassionate care to families of Houston, Mississippi and surrounding communities. Our funeral home offers a range of personalized services for families to honor their loved ones and remembe

01/02/2026

12/08/2025

Chris Springer
Christopher “Chris” Talmadge Springer, 46, passed away at his home in Sparta on Thursday, December 4, 2025. Born March 12, 1979, in Odessa, Texas, he was the son of Mary Lou Clanton Springer and the late Russell “Buddy” Springer. Chris attended Houston High School, and he was of Christian faith. Family was the most important thing in Chris’ life, and he found great joy whenever he was able to spend time with his daughter, Aubrey, and her children, Hayzlee, Josie, and Camden. He spoiled his grandchildren any chance he got, and he was happy to do anything they wanted him to. One thing in particular he liked to do with his grandbabies was to be outdoors. He loved hiking, camping, fishing, and pretty much anything else that brought him out of the house. Some days he would just wind up on a camping adventure, even if he was by himself. He was also a huge momma’s boy; he loved his mother with all of his heart.
Chris was loved dearly by his friends and family, and his long-lasting memory will forever be cherished in their hearts.
Southern Funeral Home has the honor of serving the Springer family.
Funeral Services celebrating his life will be held on Monday, December 8, 2025, at 1:00pm at Southern Funeral Home, with Bro. Shelton Worthy officiating. Visitation will also be held on Monday from 11:00am until service time at the funeral home.
Serving as pallbearers will be Patrick McCulloch, Dalton Gann, Jacob Gann, Mitch Gann, Chris Neal, and Jeffery Stamper.
He leaves behind his mother, Mary Springer of Houston; daughter, Aubrey Springer Neal (Chris) of Houston; sisters, Mary McCulloch of Houston and Virginia Gann (Mitch) of Houston; grandchildren, Hayzlee Neal, Josie Neal, and Camden Neal; and nephews, Parker McCulloch (Dixie), Dalton Gann (Alex), and Jacob Gann (Faith).
He was preceded in death by his father Russell “Buddy” Springer; and brother-in-law, James McCulloch.
Expressions of sympathy may be left for the family at www.southernfuneralchapel.com

12/08/2025

Chris Springer
Christopher “Chris” Talmadge Springer, 46, passed away at his home in Sparta on Thursday, December 4, 2025. Born March 12, 1979, in Odessa, Texas, he was the son of Mary Lou Clanton Springer and the late Russell “Buddy” Springer. Chris attended Houston High School, and he was of Christian faith. Family was the most important thing in Chris’ life, and he found great joy whenever he was able to spend time with his daughter, Aubrey, and her children, Hayzlee, Josie, and Camden. He spoiled his grandchildren any chance he got, and he was happy to do anything they wanted him to. One thing in particular he liked to do with his grandbabies was to be outdoors. He loved hiking, camping, fishing, and pretty much anything else that brought him out of the house. Some days he would just wind up on a camping adventure, even if he was by himself. He was also a huge momma’s boy; he loved his mother with all of his heart.

Chris was loved dearly by his friends and family, and his long-lasting memory will forever be cherished in their hearts.

Southern Funeral Home has the honor of serving the Springer family.

Funeral Services celebrating his life will be held on Monday, December 8, 2025, at 1:00pm at Southern Funeral Home, with Bro. Shelton Worthy officiating. Visitation will also be held on Monday from 11:00am until service time at the funeral home.

Serving as pallbearers will be Patrick McCulloch, Dalton Gann, Jacob Gann, Mitch Gann, Chris Neal, and Jeffery Stamper.

He leaves behind his mother, Mary Springer of Houston; daughter, Aubrey Springer Neal (Chris) of Houston; sisters, Mary McCulloch of Houston and Virginia Gann (Mitch) of Houston; grandchildren, Hayzlee Neal, Josie Neal, and Camden Neal; and nephews, Parker McCulloch (Dixie), Dalton Gann (Alex), and Jacob Gann (Faith).

He was preceded in death by his father Russell “Buddy” Springer; and brother-in-law, James McCulloch.

Expressions of sympathy may be left for the family at

Southern Funeral Home, Inc. Welcomes You. Since 1987, Southern Funeral Home, Inc. has provided dedicated and compassionate care to families of Houston, Mississippi and surrounding communities. Our funeral home offers a range of personalized services for families to honor their loved ones and remembe

12/05/2025

Christopher "Chris" Talmadge Springer, 46, passed away at his home in Sparta on Thursday, December 4, 2025.

Visitation will be held on Monday, December 8, 2025, from 11:00am to 1:00pm at Southern Funeral Home.

Funeral Services will be held on Monday, December 8, 2025, at 1:00pm at Southern Funeral Home.

A complete obituary will be posted as soon as it becomes available.

Please keep Chris' family in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.

11/27/2025

Wishing you and your family a happy and blessed Thanksgiving holiday! The offices will be closed on Thursday, November 27th and Friday, November 28th to give our staff time with their families. However, if you have an immediate need we are always available to you 24hrs a day 7 days a week. Never hesitate to reach out to us. We appreciate all those in our community and surrounding areas that allow us to serve you. From all of us at Southern Funeral Home, Happy Thanksgiving!
662-456-5584

11/07/2025

Jimmy Ray Dendy, 83, passed away at his home in Houston on Wednesday, November 5, 2025. He was born on October 18, 1942, to the late Benny Dendy and the late Ethel Irene Heair Dendy, in Houston Mississippi.
Jimmy Dendy lived his life in service of others. While in his late teens and early twenties, he served in our United States Navy. His dedication and commitment to our freedom was a big part of his personality. After leaving the service, he spent the next 31 years as an employee of Bell South Telephone Company working in several different areas and positions in various counties of North MS.
He was a devoted husband to his wife Sharon, and proved wrong the ones who said “It will never last.” Their marriage lasted for over forty-seven and a half years here on this earth until she unexpectedly left us for her heavenly home. Their love survived a move from Louisiana, raising four children, family vacations that included road trips to the Eastern seaboard and Canada, the great Alaskan adventure, and a mission trip deep into central Mexico. Although Jimmy and Sharon could not give their children every physical thing they wanted, they gave them memories that would last a lifetime. They gave them a love for new experiences, new people and travel. They gave them the world. He loved his sons-in-law and daughter-in-law as if they belonged to him but there was never any doubt that his heartbeat was his grandchildren. Countless memories were made at campgrounds all over North MS. The expected arrival of his first great grandchild (arriving in March 2026) was something he shared with everyone.
This man full of faith for his Savior, love for his Country, and an absolute endless love for his family will be greatly missed.
Southern Funeral Home has the honor of serving the Dendy Family.
Funeral Services will be held on Sunday, November 9, 2025, at 2:00pm at Southern Funeral Home. Visitations will be held on Saturday, November 8, 2025, from 5:00pm to 7:00pm at the funeral home and Sunday, November 9, 2025, from 1:00pm to 2:00pm at the funeral home. Interment will be held at Houston City Cemetery, with Rev. Glenn Dendy and Ethan Dendy officiating.
Pallbearers will be Hunter Dendy, Ethan Dendy, Austin Dendy, James Tedford, Ronald Carmenate, and Jeremiah Eldridge
Jimmy is survived by his children, Glenn Dendy (Sonya) of New Albany, Douglas Dendy of Madrid, Iowa, Evelyn Dendy Tedford (James) of Pontotoc, and Christy Dendy Carmenate (Ronald) of Houston; sisters, Ruby Price (Bobby) of Houston and Bobbie Jo Gambrell of Walkersville, Maryland; grandchildren, Hunter Dendy, Ethan Dendy, Austin Dendy, Kaitlyn Dendy, Charity Eldridge (Jeremiah),
Kimberly Tedford, Heather Tedford, and Jeremiah Carmenate; soon to be great-granddaughter, Ella Connie Eldridge; sister-in-law, Nancy Dendy; and a host of nieces and nephews.
Jimmy was preceded in death by his parents, Benny and Ethel Heair Dendy; wife, Sharon Magner Dendy;siblings, Benny Dendy and his wife Elaine, Robert Dendy, and Irene Dendy Turner and her husband Wayne; and brother-in-law, Bill Gambrell.
Expression of sympathy may be left for the family at www.southernfuneralchapel.com

11/06/2025

Jimmy Dendy
Houston-Jimmy Ray Dendy, 83, passed away at home with family at his side on Wednesday, November 5, 2025.

Funeral services will be held on Sunday, November 9, 2025 at 2:00 at Southern Funeral Home in Houston. Visitation will be held on Saturday, November 8 from 5:00 until 7:00 at Southern Funeral Home. There will also be a visitation on Sunday, November 9 from 1:00 until service time at 2:00 at the funeral home.

Please remember the Dendy family in your prayers during this time of loss.

A complete obituary will be posted as soon as available.

Southern Funeral Home, Inc. Welcomes You. Since 1987, Southern Funeral Home, Inc. has provided dedicated and compassionate care to families of Houston, Mississippi and surrounding communities. Our funeral home offers a range of personalized services for families to honor their loved ones and remembe