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Colonial Chapel Funeral Home, 4593 Indian Springs Road, Laurel, MS (2026)

04/08/2026

Obituary for J. Benson Hill

April 13, 1936 – April 7, 2026

J. Benson Hill, 89, of Laurel, Mississippi passed away peacefully at his home on Tuesday, April 7, 2026. Born on April 13,1936 in Laurel, MS, he lived a full and active life surrounded by loved ones and friends and will be deeply missed.

J. Benson was easily recognized by his handlebar mustache, signature flat cap and all black vehicles. He had a huge circle of friends to whom he was very loyal. He was a welder/pipe fitter adept at any mechanical task. His hobbies included racecars and horses. He was an avid racecar enthusiast who built and raced his own cars. A lifelong lover of horses, he was known for his skill in training and riding gaited horses. He and his friends made special memories while riding trails. He loved watching his grandson and great grandsons play baseball and enjoyed visits from his grandchildren and great grandchildren. He was a member of Crossgate Bible Church where he was baptized at the age of 89.

J. Benson was preceded in death by his wife, Etoile Jernigan Hill; his father, Everett Hill; his mother, Vallie Pitts Hill; his sister, Emma Joy Smith Powell; and his brother, Carlson Hill. He is survived by his children: Ann Turner (Mike), Becky Tew (Vern), Nelson Hill (Rosemary) and Jan Collins (Kerry). He is also survived by a sister, Gloria Ellzey, a sister-in-law, Patsy Hill and his much loved grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

A graveside service officiated by Pastor Kevin Williamson will be held Friday, April 10 with graveside visitation at 10 am. and service at 10:30 a.m. at Big Creek Cemetery, Soso, MS. Colonial Chapel Funeral Home of Laurel, MS is in charge of arrangements.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Crossgate Bible Church, P.O. Box 71, Soso, MS 39480.

Pallbearers include Rahn Tew, Daniel Winfield, Stogey D***s, Randy Gray, Rich Gray and Jonathon Turner.

04/07/2026

Harry Donald Gatlin, 83, of Heidelberg, Mississippi, passed away peacefully from Stage 5 kidney failure on Tuesday, April 7, 2026, at his home. Born on April 19, 1942, in Laurel, Mississippi, Donald lived a full life surrounded by family and friends.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Shirley Satcher Gatlin; his parents, Eddie Lee Gatlin Sr. and Claudia Flowers Gatlin; his brother, Clayton Gatlin; his sister, Angie Byrd; his twin brother, Doug Gatlin; and his brothers-in-law, James Smith and Wayne Byrd.

Donald is survived by his son, Timothy Donald Gatlin and his wife Tonya; his daughter, Sonya Gatlin Welch and her husband Kerry; his cherished grandchildren, Kerry Dell Welch Jr. and his wife Sheridan, Savannah Rose Gatlin, and Kai Gatlin Welch and his wife Maci. He also leaves behind his siblings, Eddie Lee “Dick” Gatlin Jr., Janet Smith, Keith Gatlin and his wife Jeanette, and Ricky Gatlin, along with numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Graveside services will be held on Sunday, April 12, 2026, at 2:00PM at Bethel Baptist Church Cemetery in Sandersville, Mississippi, with burial to follow. The services will be officiated by Bro. Brent Benson, Bro. Troy Hobson, and Bro. Eric Benson. Arrangements are being handled by Colonial Chapel Funeral Home of Laurel, and condolences may be shared online at their website.

Pallbearers will include Kerry Dell Welch Jr., Kai Gatlin Welch, David Stroud, Brent Ball, Eddie Windham, Todd Smith, Tony Satcher, and Craig Satcher, with Austin Carter serving as an honorary pallbearer.

04/06/2026

Nellie Trest Jones, 76, of Laurel, Mississippi, passed away on Thursday, April 2, 2026. Born on August 18, 1949, in Laurel, MS, Nellie spent her life in the community she loved. She was a dedicated employee at Rapad oil for over 20 years.

Nellie was preceded in death by her beloved husband, James “Puddin” Jones, her son Michael Doggett, her father Norman M. Trest, Sr., her mother Cora Mitchell Trest, and her brother Norman M. Trest, Jr.

She is survived by her daughter Debbie Ruffin and her husband Tom, her son Shelton Doggett and his wife Mimi, her grandchildren Kayla Stephens and her husband Judd, Katie Quinnelly, and Harper Doggett, as well as her great-grandchildren Jackson Welborn, Paisley Welborn, and Grayson Stephens. She also leaves behind her sister Norma Gail Baker.

Graveside services will be held at 10:00 AM on Tuesday, April 7, 2026, at Hopewell Baptist Church Cemetery in Jasper County, MS with burial to follow. Arrangements are being handled by Colonial Chapel Funeral Home of Laurel.

Pallbearers will include Shelton Doggett, Judd Stephens, Lou Thomas, Jackson Welborn, Bob Baker, and Shelby Baker, with Grayson Stephens serving as an honorary pallbearer.

04/03/2026

Jim Hill, a faithful minister of the gospel for 62 years, was called home to be with the Lord. He lived a life marked not by perfection, but by steady, enduring faith in Jesus Christ.

Visitation will be held on Monday, April 6, 2026, from 12:00PM till 2:00PM at Salem Heights Baptist Church in Ellisville, Mississippi. Funeral services will follow 2:00PM at the same location, with burial at Salem Heights Baptist Church Cemetery in Ellisville, Mississippi. Dr. Scott Hill and Bro. Brent Benson will officiate the services. Graveside service will be conducted by Bro. Brent Benson and Bro. Troy Hobson. Arrangements are under the care of Colonial Chapel of Laurel Funeral Home.

Jim served the church in many roles over the course of his life. He pastored eight churches, served as an interim pastor for numerous congregations, and spent 16 years as an evangelist. His ministry carried him across 22 states and into three foreign countries, faithfully proclaiming the gospel wherever the Lord opened doors. In every season, whether in a pulpit, a revival meeting, or a small gathering, he carried the same burden, to preach Christ and call people to trust Him.

In the final chapter of his life, Jim found deep joy in teaching a Sunday school class. It was a fitting expression of who he was, a shepherd at heart, opening the Word of God and investing in others until the very end.

Jim loved the church. He loved the people of God. He loved preaching. But more than anything, he loved Jesus and desired to honor Him with his life.

He was also a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. Jim was married to his beloved wife, Cheryl for 58 years; together they built a family rooted in faith and love. He is survived by his sons Adam (Kiona), Scott (Lisa), Joel (Amanda), and daughter Sarah Patterson (Wesley) along with 22 grandchildren, 10 great- grandchildren, and one more on the way. Jim is also survived by his sisters Martha Moss, Bobbie Miles and brother Kenny Hill (Becky).

Those who knew Jim knew his steady presence, his commitment to the local church, and his deep conviction that following Christ was worth everything. His favorite hymn, We’ll Work Till Jesus Comes, reflected the way he lived. And by God’s grace, he did just that, he worked until Jesus called him home.

As we grieve his loss, we do not grieve as those without hope. For we believe that Jesus died and rose again, and through Him, God will bring with Him those who have fallen asleep.

He loved the gospel of Jesus Christ, and it shaped the way he lived, preached, and served. That same love overflowed into his family, whom he cherished and faithfully led.

03/31/2026

Bessie Lou Meadows, 93, a beloved resident of Laurel, Mississippi, passed away peacefully at her home on March 30, 2026. Born on May 28, 1932, in Sand Hill, MS, Bessie lived a full and cherished life surrounded by her family and friends.

Bessie was preceded in death by her husband, Robert C. Meadows, her son, Bobby Meadows, her mother, Jerline Blackwell, her stepfather, William Franklin Blackwell, her sister, Mary Evelyn Gaskin, and her brothers, Alton Blackwell, Maxey Blackwell, and Frank Blackwell.

She is survived by her loving daughters, Sherlye Graham and her husband Mike, Betty Hicks, Mary Ann Cook and her husband David, Sandra Poore and her husband Bit, and her son Ray Meadows and his wife Rosemarie. Bessie also leaves behind a sister, Betty Nell Miller and her husband James, a host of grandchildren and great-grandchildren, one great-great-grandchild, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, April 1, 2026, from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at the Colonial Chapel Funeral Home of Laurel. Funeral services will take place on Thursday, April 2, 2026, at 2:00 PM at the same location, followed by burial in Memorial Gardens Cemetery, Laurel, MS.

Pallbearers will include David Cook Jr., Rusty Rogers, Ethan Cook, Albert Coccia-Meadows, Caden Fletcher, and Cecilia “Sissy” Coccia-Meadows. Honorary pallbearers will be Leo Dunlevy, James Hall, Mike Graham, Travis Rogers, Mason Cook, David Benson, and Ray Meadows.

Bessie will be remembered for her warmth, kindness, and the love she shared with her family and friends. Her memory will live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved her.

03/26/2026

Phyllis Welch Pitts, of Ellisville, Mississippi, passed away on Wednesday, March 25, 2026, at South Central Regional Hospital in Laurel, Mississippi. Born on September 26, 1955, in Laurel, Mississippi, Phyllis was a beloved member of her community.

Phyllis was a Nurse for many years and enjoyed her work greatly and loved by many.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Mitchell Pitts; her parents, Roland W. and Tommie J. Welch; her sister, Cindy Welch Broadway; her grandparents, J.J. and Ruby J. Welch; and her niece, Chassity Brister.

Phyllis is survived by her sons, Brian Jordan of Laurel, Mississippi, and Dustin James of Mexico, along with a host of cousins and family who will cherish her memory.

A Memorial Service will be held at Trinity Baptist Church Shady Grove at a later date, with arrangements handled by Colonial Chapel Funeral Home of Laurel. Friends and family are invited to sign the online guestbook at www.colonialchapelfuneralhomelaurel.com.

Online guestbook may be signed at www.colonialchapelfuneralhomelaurel.com

03/23/2026

Mary Teresa Tisdale, 57, of Laurel, Mississippi literally ran peacefully into the arms of Jesus on Tuesday, March 17, 2026 at South Central Regional Medical Center.

Teresa was born on October 18, 1968 in Laurel, Mississippi to Gifford Lamar Flynt and Mary Sue Gatewood. She grew up in Laurel, Mississippi.

She met her loving husband, David, in 1991 and they were married for 35 wonderful years. Teresa was a stay-at-home mom, and then a homemaker once their children were grown. She loved animals – specifically her dog Macie and her cats, Cheeto and Puppy. Teresa loved cooking for her family – and made a delicious Thanksgiving dressing! She loved her granddaughter, Emma Faye.

She is survived by her husband, David Tisdale; her children Blake Tisdale (Brittany) and Cory Tisdale; her brother Gifford Flynt, Jr.; her uncles Sidney Flynt and Charles Flynt (Selena); and her granddaughter Emma Faye Tisdale.

She was preceded in death by her father Gifford Flynt; her mother Mary Sue Gatewood; her uncles Gary Flynt and Thomas Flynt.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, March 25, 2026 at 12:30 p.m. until 2:00 p.m. at Colonial Chapel in Laurel, Mississippi with a graveside service to follow at Indian Springs Baptist Church beginning at 2:00 p.m. Brother Keith Thompson will be officiating.

Pallbearers will be: Blake Tisdale, Joey Sampey, David Holified, David Gray, TC Sumrall, and Jacob Knight.

Mason Sampey will be an honorary pallbearer.

03/18/2026

Marilynn Pickering passed away on Sunday, March 15, 2026, at the age of 86, to be with Jesus Christ her Lord. Born on July 31, 1939, Marilynn was a beloved mother, grandmother, and sister.

She leaves behind her daughter, Delia Flynt and her husband Joe, her son, Neil Pickering and his wife Pam, and her cherished grandchildren, Lory Hosey and her husband David, Tyler Pickering and his wife Ashley, Joe Lee Flynt, and Paisley Carter and her husband Michael. Marilynn was also a proud great-grandmother to Michael Hosey, John Luke Hosey, Lyla Carter, and Kye Carter. She is survived by her brother, Paul Giles and his wife Ann.

Marilynn was predeceased by her beloved husband, Dewitt Pickering, her parents, Palmer Giles and Mary McCraney, and her brother, Jerry Giles.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, March 20, 2026, at 11:00am at Hebron Baptist Church in Soso, Mississippi. Visitation will take place on Thursday, March 19, 2026, from 5:00 to 7:00 at Colonial Chapel Laurel in Laurel, Mississippi. Dr. Brett Golson and Bro. Dennis Campbell will officiate the services, and burial will follow in Hebron Baptist Church Cemetery.

Serving as pallbearers will be Wilton Rogers and the Deacons of Hebron Baptist Church.

Marilynn's life was a testament to her faith and love for her family. She will be deeply missed by all who knew her.

An online guestbook may be signed at www.colonialchapellaurel.com

03/18/2026

Douglas Myrick, 90, a resident of Moss, Mississippi, passed away peacefully at his home on Monday, March 16, 2026. Born on January 11, 1936, in Jasper County, Mississippi, Douglas lived a full and cherished life surrounded by his loved ones.

He is survived by his devoted wife, Joyce Ann Walters Myrick, his son Paul Douglas Myrick, and his daughter Marti Mechelle Myrick Brady. He also leaves behind his beloved grandchild, including Allen Brady, his brother Roy Hilton Myrick, and his sister Betty Myrick Wyatt, along with a host of nieces and nephews who will miss him dearly.

Douglas was preceded in death by his parents, J. P. and Mageline Myrick, who undoubtedly welcomed him with open arms.

A visitation will be held on Friday, March 20, 2026, from 1:00PM to 2:00PM at the First Church of God Moss in Moss, Mississippi, followed by funeral services at the same location at 2:00PM. He will be laid to rest at Moss Memory Gardens in Moss, MS. The services will be officiated by Bro. Paul Matte, with arrangements handled by Colonial Chapel Funeral Home of Laurel.

Pallbearers will be Mark Munn, Randy Windham, Keith Shelby, Robin Shelby, Jay Dixon and Randy Scitz.

Honorary pallbearers will be Charles Graham, Mark Windham, Jay Welborn, Buddy Bergin, Jerdan Welborn, Stoney Stringer and John C. Jackson.

Douglas will be remembered fondly by all who knew him, and his legacy will live on in the hearts of his family and friends.

Thank You to all of Deaconess Hospice team. You all went above and beyond providing care for him. Love you all. Thanks again

03/17/2026

Helen L. Mullinax
( June 5, 1932 - March 17, 2026 )

Helen L. Mullinax, of Stringer, Mississippi, passed away Tuesday, March 17, 2026, at Jasper General Nursing Home in Bay Springs, Mississippi. She was born Sunday, June 5th, 1932, in Talladega, Alabama.

Visitation will be held on Friday, March 20th, 2026, from 5:00 PM until 7:00 PM at the Colonial Chapel Funeral Home of Laurel in Laurel, Mississippi. Funeral Services will be at 10:00AM, Saturday, March 21st, 2026, Burial will follow in Mullinax Family Cemetery in Stringer, MS. Bro. Paul Matte will officiate. Colonial Chapel Funeral Home of Laurel is in charge of arrangements. (601) 649-3342.

She was preceded in death by her husband Rev. Johnny Joe Mullinax; parents, Floyd and Ada Pullen, Son- In-Law, Sonny Bufkin, brothers, Edward Pullen, George Pullen; sister, Dixie Meeks; grandson, Jerry Bridges; great -great grandson Oliver Ware.

Survivors include her daughter, Betty Meeks (James), son, Johnny Mullinax (Sara), son, Chris Mullinax, sister, Peggy Smith; 8 Grandchildren, 17 Great-grandchildren, and 22 Great-great-grandchildren.

Pallbearers will be Kyle Bufkin, Jonathan Bufkin, J.J Mullinax, Justin Welborn, Tyler Stephens, and Sam Ware

Honorary pallbearers will be Scooter Mullinax, Alan Gaddis, Dalton Bufkin, Leland Bufkin, and Braxton Bufkin.

Online guestbook may be signed at www.colonialchapelfuneralhomelaurel.com

03/16/2026

Terry Maxey Ainsworth, 70, of Laurel, MS, passed away peacefully on Monday, March 16, 2026, at Asbury Hospice House in Hattiesburg, Mississippi. Born on August 28, 1955, in Laurel, Mississippi, Terry was a beloved member of her community and family.

Terry worked for Dollar General for a number of years and was a volunteer firefighter and secretary at the Shady Grove Volunteer Fire Department.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Berry and Alice Maxey, sisters, Deborah Elaine Hartfield, Tina Williams, and Shelly Rebecca “Becky” Davis, and brother Frankie Maxey.

Terry is survived by Bobby Logan, sons Eric McAndrews (Kelly), Mark McAndrews, Michael Taylor (LaToya), Matt Taylor, and a host of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.

A Memorial service will be held at a later date. Terry will be dearly missed by all who knew her. Her family invites friends and loved ones to sign the online guestbook at www.colonialchapellaurel.com.

03/08/2026

Joe Larry Shelby, age 85, of Moss, Mississippi, passed away on March 7, 2026, at Asbury Hospice House in Hattiesburg, Mississippi, surrounded by the love of his family. Born on October 11, 1940, Joe Larry lived a life full of adventure and joy.

Joe Larry was preceded in death by his father, Cleo Shelby; his mother, Wilma Yelverton Shelby and his grandson Jesse Jones. He is survived by his loving wife of 64 years, Betty Ann Shelby and their four sons, Duane (Karen) Shelby, Robin (Shari) Shelby, Keith (Dodie) Shelby, Kyle (Kandi) Shelby and his sister Sandy (Wayne) Stonecypher.

Joe Larry also survived by his eight grandchildren, Derrick (Melissa) Shelby, Brian (Candice) Shelby, Brent (Rene) Shelby, Brandon (Stephanie) Shelby, Jonathan Shelby, Anna Shelby, Levi Jones, Kate Jones and with his seven great-grandchildren, Cannon, Brooklyn, Isaac, Hatley, Olivia, Eloise and Adeline; along with a host of nieces, nephews, extended family, and many dear friends.

Joe Larry was truly larger than life, he will be greatly remembered by his "firm-break your hand" handshakes and his avid passion for the outdoors especially, c**n hunting. He was a member of Moss First Church of God, a service member of the Army National Guard, a member of the Jasper County Rac**n Hunters Association, a member of the Mississippi Rac**n Hunters Association and had a long-time career of 32-1/2 years with Southern Pine Electric Power Association from 1966-1999. After retiring from Southern Pine EPA in early 2000, Joe spent most of his time at the "old place" in Smith County where he enjoyed his retirement at the family cabin deep in the hills of Smith County near the Leaf River.

Although he is gone from this world, “Papaw Jobie” will live on forever through his laughter, the unforgettable stories, and the memories made with his family and his friends that will carry with them forever. Papaw Jobie was a God-fearing Christian that was acknowledged by all of those who encountered him during his daily walk of life.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, March 11, 2026, from 12:00PM until 3:00PM at Colonial Chapel Funeral Home of Laurel, 4593 Indian Springs Rd, Laurel, MS. The funeral service will follow at 3:00 pm at the same location, with a private graveside service at Moss Memory Gardens Cemetery in Moss, Mississippi. Bro. Kevin Williamson, Bro. Joe Gullick and Blaine "Bo" Eaton will officiate the services.

Pallbearers will be Derrick Shelby, Brent Shelby, Brian Shelby, Brandon Shelby, Jonathan Shelby, and Levi Jones.

Honorary Pallbearers will be Cannon Shelby, Dr. Wayne Stonecypher, Mitchell Shelby, Wesley East, Charles Graham, Burnice Graham, Howard Robertson, Coburn Yelverton, Lewis Harper, Bo Eaton, Tuddy Spradley and Tripp Eaton.

The family would like to send special thanks to his caregiver, Rosetta Jones, and to the Veterans Home in Collins, MS.

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