West Jones High School Class of 1987

08/16/2025

The West Jones Class of 1987 would like to extend our deepest sympathy to our classmate John Stennett, in the passing of his father.

Jerry Dale Stennett, 84, of Hattiesburg, MS, passed away on Friday, August 15, 2025, at Cedar Place Care Home in Laurel, MS. Born on September 14, 1940, in Ellisville, Mississippi, Jerry was a beloved husband, father, and grandfather.

He is survived by his devoted wife, Patricia Stamps Stennett, and his children, Chris Stennett, Mark Stennett, and John Stennett, as well as his step-daughter, Nan Meadows. Jerry was a proud grandfather to Casey Stennett, married to Kelli, and Logan Olafson, married to Devon.

Jerry was preceded in death by his parents, Barna Stennett and Wilma Beach Stennett, his brother Glenn Stennett, and his sisters Floyce Evans, Pauline Dobson, Jean Wood, Helen Anderson, and DeeDee Koehler.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, August 16, 2025, from 1:00 PM until 3:00 PM at Ellisville Funeral Home, located at 1204 B Ave, Ellisville, Mississippi. Funeral services will follow at 3:00 PM at the same location, with Bro. David Rogers officiating. Jerry will be laid to rest at New Hope Baptist Church Cemetery in Ellisville, Mississippi. Arrangements are being handled by Ellisville Funeral Home.

08/15/2025

The West Jones Class of 1987 would like to extend our deepest sympathy to our former classmate, John Stennett in the passing of his father.

Jerry Dale Stennett, 84, of Hattiesburg, MS, passed away on Friday, August 15, 2025, at Cedar Place Care Home in Laurel, MS. Born on September 14, 1940, in Ellisville, Mississippi, Jerry was a beloved husband, father, and grandfather.

He is survived by his devoted wife, Patricia Stamps Stennett, and his children, Chris Stennett, Mark Stennett, and John Stennett, as well as his step-daughter, Nan Meadows. Jerry was a proud grandfather to Casey Stennett, married to Kelli, and Logan Olafson, married to Devon.

Jerry was preceded in death by his parents, Barna Stennett and Wilma Beach Stennett, his brother Glenn Stennett, and his sisters Floyce Evans, Pauline Dobson, Jean Wood, Helen Anderson, and DeeDee Koehler.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, August 16, 2025, from 1:00 PM until 3:00 PM at Ellisville Funeral Home, located at 1204 B Ave, Ellisville, Mississippi. Funeral services will follow at 3:00 PM at the same location, with Bro. David Rogers officiating. Jerry will be laid to rest at New Hope Baptist Church Cemetery in Ellisville, Mississippi. Arrangements are being handled by Ellisville Funeral Home.

08/01/2025

Happy August classmates and friends!

06/27/2025

The West Jones Class of 1987 would like to extend our deepest sympathy to our late classmate’s family, Marley Dawn Rivers-Watkins, in the passing of her father.

U.S. Veteran
John Herman Rivers, aged 90, of Ellisville, MS, passed away on Wednesday, June 25, 2025, at Covington County Hospital in Collins, MS. Born on November 13, 1934, in Homewood, Alabama,

John was a devoted member of the Springhill Baptist Church, where he served as the Sunday school superintendent. He also served in the Mississippi National Guard and was the oldest member of the drill team for The Woodmen of the World, as well as an officer for the Laurel Lodge.

John was preceded in death by his daughter, Marley Dawn Watkins; his parents, Herman Harold Rivers and Ruby Dyess Rivers; his brother, George Rivers; his sisters, Shirley Langford, Carolyn Rogers, and Margie Holifield; and his sons-in-law, Joe Yoder and Dale Buckhaults.

He is survived by his son, Brian Rivers and wife Patty; his daughters, Sherry Buckhaults and husband Howard, and Marsha Yoder; his grandson, Joel Buckhaults; his granddaughter, Laura Jones and husband Steven; his son-in-law, Joe Watkins; and a host of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.

Graveside services will be held on Wednesday, July 02, 2025, at 10:00 AM at Sharon Cemetery in Laurel, MS, with burial to follow. Arrangements are being handled by Ellisville Funeral Home.

The family extends their gratitude to the staff at Covington County Hospital's Swing Bed, the members of Springhill Baptist Church, Pleasant Ridge Church of God, and Hopewell Baptist Church. Pallbearers will be grandsons.

05/30/2025

The West Jones Class of 1987 would like to extend our deepest sympathy to our former classmate, Diana Walker Sharpe, in the passing of her father.

Lewis Herman “L.H” Walker Jr., 89, of Laurel, MS, passed away on Monday, May 26, 2025, at South Central Regional Medical Center in Laurel, MS. Born on June 5, 1935, in Jackson, Mississippi.

He proudly served in the United States Air Force after graduating from Forest Hills High School and went on to earn an accounting degree from the University of Mississippi. L.H. was a prominent C.P.A in Laurel for 57 years, contributing significantly to the community.

His dedication extended beyond his professional life as he served as a lay reader, junior warden, and senior warden at St John’s Episcopal Church for many decades. He was also actively involved in the Laurel Little Theater, serving as president, treasurer, and actor during the 1970s and 1980s.

L.H. was preceded in death by his father, Lewis Herman Walker; mother, Frances Vista Shawhan Walker; and sister, Vista Theresa Walker Packer.

He is survived by his loving wife of 34 years, Connie Bishop Walker; his son, Kerry Walker and wife Glenda; daughters, Diana Sharpe and husband Scott, and Debra Hartsock and husband Matt; along with numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, June 14, 2025, from 10:00 AM until 11:00 AM at St John’s Episcopal Church, located at 541 N. Fifth Ave, Laurel, MS. Funeral services will follow at 11:00 AM at the same location, officiated by Fr. Jeff Reich.

Arrangements are under the care of Colonial Chapel Funeral Home of Laurel.

05/28/2025

The West Jones Class of 1987 would like to extend our deepest sympathy to our former classmate, Twyla Temple Floyd, in the passing of her mother.

Betty Jean Sistrunk Temple
Apr 24, 1935 - May 26, 2025

Betty Jean Sistrunk Temple passed away on Monday May 26, 2025. Her funeral services were on Friday, May 30, 2025 at 10:00 a.m. at Memory Chapel Funeral Home in Laurel Mississippi. Graveside services followed at Victory Baptist Church Cemetery in Jasper County. The family received friends and family Thursday, May 29, 2025 at Memory Chapel Funeral Home from 5-7 p.m.��She was preceded in death by her husband J.W. (Doc)Temple; her parents Wilburn and Jessie Ellis Sistrunk; her brothers Bill Sistrunk (Ednerl) and Ellis Ray Sistrunk (Margie); and her grandchildren Brandy Nix and Zachary Holloway. ��Mrs. Temple was a charter and current member of Victory Baptist Church. She loved to worship her Lord and Savior. She was an excellent seamstress and a wonderful mother, loved her in-laws as brothers and sisters. She loved flowers and fishing.��She is survived by her children and grandchildren: Teresa (T.J.) and her husband Buddy Lowery and their children Justin (Jessica) and Sarah; Beverly and her husband Roy Odom and their children Tony (Sharon) and Wayne (Mandy); Pam and her husband Donald Ray Nix and their son Cory; Wanda Jenkins and her son Troy (Kelly); and Twyla and her husband Chris Floyd and children Joelle (Derick) Knight and Shannon (Chase) Folks. Additionally, she is survived by 22 great-grandchildren and 1 great-great- grandchild. ��She is also survived by her brothers, James Sistrunk and his wife Claudette and Frank Sistrunk and his wife Barbara. ��The family would like to thank the staff of Jones County Nursing Home and Dr. Graham Rogers, Dr. Mark Norton, and Dr. James Beasley for the compassionate care provided Mrs. Temple while she was a resident there. ��To sign the online guest book, visit www.memorychapellaurel.com.

04/20/2025

Hope everyone has a blessed Easter ✝️

03/21/2025

03/17/2025

The West Jones Class of 1987 would like to extend our deepest sympathy to our former classmate, Toni Hopkins Pankowski, in the passing of her father.

Charles William "C.W" Hopkins, aged 83, of Laurel, Mississippi, passed away peacefully on Sunday, March 16, 2025, at Comfort Care Nursing Center, surrounded by his loving family.

Born on October 21, 1941, in Laurel, Mississippi, C.W. was a cherished member of the Pleasant Ridge Baptist Church, where he was known for his love for the Lord and love for his church family.

C.W. is survived by his devoted wife of 62 years, Ginia Hopkins, and his beloved daughters, Tammy Barry (Don), Melissa Taylor (Jimmy), and Toni Pankowski (Jonathan). He was a proud grandfather to Nicole Conner, Laken Miller, Chance Taylor, Kelli Barry, Tate Pankowski, Tanner Pankowski, and Todd Pankowski, and a great-grandfather to 11 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his sisters, Ann Johnson and Debbie Moore.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Travis and Christine Hopkins, and his brothers, Trulon Hopkins and Randy Hopkins.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, March 22, 2025, from 10:00AM until 11:00AM at Pleasant Ridge Baptist Church in Ellisville, Mississippi, followed by funeral services at 11:00AM. Burial will take place at Pleasant Ridge Baptist Church Cemetery. Bro. Roy Crouch and Bro. Doug Moore will officiate the services.

C.W. will be remembered for his humor, warmth, and love for storytelling at family gatherings and holiday traditions. His presence will be deeply missed by all who knew him.
Pallbearers will be Chance Taylor, Tate Pankowski, Tanner Pankowski, Todd Pankowski, Jared Miller, and Joe Conner.
An online guestbook may be signed at www.colonialchapellaurel.com

03/16/2025

The West Jones Class of 1987 would like to extend our deepest sympathy to our former classmate, Becky Knight Reynolds, in the passing of her brother.

David Eugene Knight
July 14, 1970 - March 14, 2025

Born on July 14, 1970, David was a cherished husband, father, brother, uncle, and friend. He was carried away to his Heavenly home on Friday, March 14, 2025.

He is survived by his wife of 31 years, Varlanday “Landy” Knight and four children, Christopher Jacob (Anna) of Petal, Joshua David of Laurel, Michaela Gabrielle of Ellisville, and Benjamin Ryan of Ellisville; one grandchild, Samuel George, and another grandchild on the way in May; one sibling, Rebecca Reynolds (Wade) of Beat Four; father-in-law, Vardie Reynolds of Beat Four; two brothers-in-law, Charles “Welby” Reynolds (Cindy) of Chicora, and William Reynolds (Larhonda) of West Virginia; one niece, Ashley Gatlin (Channing); and seven nephews, Wayne Reynolds (Lynsey), Wesley Reynolds (Monica), Austin Reynolds (Christian), Andrew Reynolds, Brett Reynolds, Dustin Reynolds (Taylor), and Colby Reynolds.

He was preceded in death by his parents, David and Doris Knight; and mother-in-law, Susie Reynolds.

Pallbearers: Christopher Knight, Joshua Knight, Benjamin Knight, Wade Reynolds, Channing Gatlin, and Dakota Bush. Honorary pallbearers: Austin Reynolds and Andrew Reynolds.

David was born in Houston, Texas and graduated from West Jones High School in Laurel. After graduation, he served four years in the United States Army from 1988 to 1992, earning The Army Commendation Medal and The Army Achievement Medal for his service in Operation Desert Shield and Operation Desert Storm. He married his wife of 31 years, Landy, in 1993, and resided in the Glade Community. He worked as an employee of Howard Industries for 31 years from 1993 to 2025. He enjoyed fishing, spending time with his family, and cheering on his beloved New Orleans Saints.

Funeral services will be held at Memory Chapel Funeral Home in Laurel with a visitation on Monday, March 17th, from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm. A memorial service will be held Tuesday, March 18th, at 11:00 am in the chapel with burial to follow at Evergreen Baptist Church in Wayne County.

To view and sign the online guestbook, please visit www.memorychapellaurel.com

03/16/2025

The West Jones Class of 1987 would like to extend our deepest sympathy to our former classmate, Charles Mark Brown in the passing of his father.

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Rev. C.W. Brown, a beloved father, brother, grandfather, and great-grandfather who left us peacefully on February 24, 2025 at the age of 88 years old. Charles, or better known as “PawPaw” to many, was a man of deep faith and unwavering dedication, having spent decades in the ministry, guiding and inspiring countless individuals throughout his life.

Born on October 10, 1936, to Charlie Bruce and Lavina Brown in Bon Wier, TX, Charles grew up with a strong sense of duty and service, he was drafted in the United States Army in 1957. As a proud veteran, he served his country with honor and distinction, earning the respect and admiration of all who knew him. After his military service, Charles devoted his life to the church, sharing his passion for the Gospel and his love for the people with everyone he encountered.

In addition to his commitment for ministry, Charles was a devoted family man, cherishing every moment spent with his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. His warm smile, gentle spirit, and wise words made him a pillar of strength for his family and friends. He was known for his ability to make everyone feel valued and loved, leaving a lasting impact on their lives.

Charles was an avid outdoorsman, finding joy in fishing and hunting. Many cherished memories were created during family outings, where he taught his loved ones the beauty of nature and the importance of spending time together. His stories of adventure and laughter will forever resonate in the hearts of those who had the privilege of sharing those moments with him.

He often went beyond the pulpit to lend a helping hand or a listening ear. His love for music, particularly playing the steel guitar and singing, brought joy to many. But his favorite was walking around the house whistling old gospel hymns.

He is preceded in death by his parents; Charlie Bruce and Lavinia Brown; and his wife of 59 years, Barbara Brown.

He is survived by sister; Johnnie Ruth Brown (C.R.) of Dequincey, LA; his brother, Mickey Brown (Melva) of Lake Charles, LA; daughter, Jana Boone (Keith) of Richland, MS; his son, Charles Mark Brown (Jennifer) of Latrobe, PA; his daughter, RaShawnda Blakeney (Keith) of Bay Springs, MS; his grandchildren, Shayla Phillips (Trevor) of Bay Springs, MS Brian Causey (Rebekah) of Banor, WA; Dustin Causey of Deridder, LA; Blake Blakeney of Hattiesburg, MS. Kerrie Feigler (Cole) of Greenwood, MS. And Colin Mekic of Latrobe, PA; and his great-grandchildren, Ali Bea Phillips, and Finley Cole Feigler.

Services for Rev. Brown will be at The Rock Church of Laurel, on Saturday, March 1, 2025 at 1:00 PM. The family will receive friends from 11:00AM-1:00PM. Burial will follow at Hickory Grove Cemetery in Laurel. Arrangements have been entrusted to Colonial Chapel of Bay Springs.

To view and sign online guestbook, please visit www.colonialchapelbaysprings.com