Porter Funeral Home

05/28/2026

Friday, 5/29/2026, 10 A.M. Veterans Cemetery, Kilmichael, MS

05/26/2026

Mrs. Teressa Leigh Huntley, 62, passed away on Sunday, May 24, 2026, at St. Dominic’s Hospital in Jackson, MS, with her loving husband, Michael, of 39 years by her side. Funeral services will be held at 2:00 P.M. on Wednesday, May 27th, at Porter Funeral Home, with Rev. Rob Faulk officiating. Visitation will be Wednesday from 12:00 P.M. until service time at the funeral home. Interment will be in Shiloh Cemetery. Porter Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Teressa was born February 20, 1964, in Louisville, to Billy and Mae Hemphill. She became Mrs. William Michael Huntley on December 21, 1986. They were blessed with children and grandchildren whom she cared about more than anything in the world. The two of them blessed the community with more than just a daycare, restaurant, or swim lesson, but a second home to countless children and families. She opened her home, heart, and kitchen to each one of us, any and all, person, dog or stranger that she met. Her days were never complete without the love she had for her dogs: Annie, Ollie, Hayes, Tank, Payne, and more others. No words, song, story, or memory could ever be enough to describe, remember or honor Teressa Huntley. She owned her own daycare for many years and was a swimming instructor. Her contagious laugh and vibrant smile will be with each of us and so many forever. Her legacy is her family and her faith in God, and a few ever-changing recipes. The only thing that she wanted to share more with the world, besides the pride she felt & the millions of pictures and videos she took of her family, was, "If I got Jesus, I got it all!"

She was preceded in death by her parents; three children, Melanie Smith, Melissa Smith, and William Huntley; a sister, Sandra Hemphill Foster; and her best friend, Melissa Vanderveen.

She is survived by her husband, Michael Huntley of Brandon, MS; three sons, Rodney Smith of Brandon, MS; Stephen Huntley of Brandon, MS, and Dillon (Samantha) Huntley of Madison; a sister, Robin (Billy Joe) Carter of Louisville; her mother-in-law, Judy (Hank) Eaves; her grandchildren, Marleigh Smith, Keegan Phillips, Levi Smith, Corabella Papalambros, Annaleise Huntley, John Douglas Huntley, Abby Laine Huntley, and Sutton Huntley; and one great grandchild, Dalton Brooks.

Pallbearers will be Michael Huntley, Rodney Smith, Stephen Huntley, Dillon Huntley, Seth Smith, and Keegan Phillips.

To sign the guest register, please visit www.porterfuneralhome.net.

05/20/2026

05/17/2026

Mr. Jerry Thomas Townsend, 83, passed away on Friday, May 15, 2026, at North Mississippi Medical Center in Tupelo, MS. Funeral services will be held at 3:00 P.M. on Tuesday, May 19th, at Porter Funeral Home, with Rev. Mike Dowd officiating. Visitation will be Tuesday from 1:00 P.M. until service time at the funeral home. Interment will be in Townsend Cemetery. Porter Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Mr. Townsend was born March 8, 1943, in Neshoba County, to William “Mutt” and Nadine Wilcher Townsend. He married Geneva Buck and together they shared 61 years of marriage. Over the years, he was a drywall installer and worked in the logging business.
Despite experiencing a stroke many years ago, Jerry never lost the stubborn determination and strong-willed spirit that defined him. He always found joy by engaging in teasing conversation that always resulted in loud laughter. He had a strong desire to stay connected with family and for the younger generation to know their family history. He spent many hours trying to tell stories through old pictures.
He was preceded in death by his parents; a son, Frank Townsend; a son-in-law, Tim Cutlip; a sister, Peggy Duckworth; two brothers, Truman Townsend and Billy Townsend; and a granddaughter, Crystal Romedy.
He is survived by his wife, Geneva Buck Townsend of Louisville; a son, Thomas (Kay) Townsend of Louisville, MS; a daughter, Jerri Cutlip of Blue Springs, MS; a sister-in-law, Ruby Townsend of Philadephia, MS; four grandchildren, Chad (Megan) Townsend, Matthew Cutlip, Beka Townsend, and Darrion Wesley; and a number of great grandchildren.
Pallbearers will be Chad Townsend, Matthew Cutlip, Jeremiah Shaffer, Al Duckworth, Richard Townsend, and Randy Townsend.
To sign the guestbook, please go to www.porterfuneralhome.net.

05/06/2026

William Johnson, 79, passed away on May 5, 2026, at Winston Medical Center in Louisville, Mississippi, and went home to be with the Lord.

Born on September 21, 1946, William was raised in Noxapater, Mississippi, the son of Willard Alexander Johnson and Kathleen Lofton Kemp. He grew up with his brother, Johnny Johnson, enjoying a childhood filled with fishing and hunting alongside Noxapater Creek. As a young man, William was baptized at Noxapater Baptist Church. William treasured his years at Noxapater High School, where he formed lifelong friendships. A proud Noxapater Tiger, he often reminisced about his accomplishments in football and basketball, and he kept his letterman’s jacket as a cherished reminder of those days.
He attended Mississippi State University, earning a Bachelor of Science in Entomology, a Master’s degree in Entomology and Wildlife Management, and completing PhD coursework in Entomology and Botany. William began his career conducting research aimed at eradicating boll weevils from cotton crops. He was an entrepreneur at heart; founding his own agriculture and crop consulting business in Mississippi and South Georgia, and eventually launching a pine straw supply business serving Mississippi and Alabama.
William never met a stranger. He loved conversation and found joy in connecting with people from all walks of life. His favorite stories often revolved around quail hunting with his beloved bird dogs, his garden, and adventures from his early days of dating Patti, his wife of 53 years. William was a member at First Baptist Church, Louisville.
He is survived by his wife, Patti Todd Johnson and his children: Michael (Sheila) Johnson, Emily (Guy) McClain, Julie Johnson, and Todd (Landrey) Johnson. He also leaves behind his grandchildren: Lane Johnson, Maggie Johnson, Madison (Hunter) Aycock, Meredith McClain, Hutch McClain, Kathleen Bess McClain, Tripp Johnson, Noble Johnson, and Anne Spencer Johnson; and one great-grandchild, Fletcher Aycock. He is also survived by his younger brother Johnny (Cheryl) Johnson, his nephews Chris Johnson and Brad (Jessica) Johnson.
William was preceded in death by his parents and his beloved mother-in-law, Annie Bess Todd.
A graveside service will be held on Friday, May 8, at Old Mars Hill Cemetery, 3100 Mars Hill Road, Philadelphia, Mississippi. The service will be officiated by Dr. Jimmy Porter and Rev. Tim Smith. Porter Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

The family is thankful for a merciful God who loves His children all of their days and finds peace in the assurance that William is now in His presence.

04/30/2026

Isla Vale Tabor, 86, devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother and faithful servant of God, joined her Lord and Savior on April 29, 2026. There is no doubt she is being welcomed into Heaven with the words from Matthew 25:23 - “Well done, good and faithful servant.”
Born Sept. 24,1939, she was the youngest of five raised by their strong and loving mother Katie Mae Finkley. She grew up in the Whitehall community, enjoying the simple things like pond swimming, and playing in the fields with her brothers and sister. She attended and graduated from Louisville High School where she participated in the drama and Bible clubs. During the summer of 1955, she met the love her life Harry Bernard Tabor, Jr., and they married on June 17,1957, at Whitehall Church. Together they built a beautiful life – raising their four children on a foundation of love, faith and service to each other, their church and their community.
Vale was beloved among all those who knew her. With her striking auburn hair, twinkling eyes and kind smile, she exuded warmth to everyone she met and brought a positive energy to everything she did. She was virtuous, selfless and kind with an infectious playful spirit. She chose the challenging career of being a full-time mom and it was a job she relished. Vale made the Tabor house the home where kids and teens wanted to spend their free time, enjoying home-cooked meals and sage advice. She ran the carpools, served on the PTA, proudly and loudly supported her children from the stands and was the Girl Scout and Cub Scout troop leader everyone adored.
She was always up for anything - water skiing, harrowing rollercoasters or killing a snake. Also, she could outlast anyone in the garden or in a competitive game of cards and Scrabble where she was often the victor.
She equally cherished her role as grandmother to 11 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren. She was revered for hosting fun sleepovers and endless games of Chutes and Ladders, Go Fish, and tag. She was even spotted playing soccer with her youngest grandson wearing her housecoat. By all accounts, she was a fierce competitor and showed no mercy.
Outside of her family, she devoted her time to Whitehall Church, answering the call to teach Sunday School, Vacation Bible School, help with the annual bazaar and participate in various women’s groups and committees. Her life of service extended to various Louisville civic clubs including more than 45 years – along with her husband – with the Lion’s Club where she served in leadership roles and as president.
She is preceded in death by her mother, Katie Mae Finkley; brothers Earl, Douglas and Victor; and her sister Zenith Williamson.
She is survived by her adoring husband of 69 years, Harry Bernard Tabor, Jr., and their four children and their spouses: Tammy and David Morgan; Tim and Tammie Tabor; Debbie and Kevin Arnett; and Terri and Matt Hickey. She will forever be cherished by her 11 grandchildren: Phillip Watson, Laura Kujawa, Anna Claire Morgan, Tyler Tabor, Taryn Jones, Andrew Arnett, Amanda Arnett, Matt Arnett, Stephen Arnett, John Phillip Arnett and Liam Hickey. She will also be fondly remembered by her 13 great grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held at 3:00 P.M. on Saturday, May 2nd, at Whitehall Church, with Rev. Mike Dowd and Rev. Don Bishop officiating. Visitation will be Saturday from 1:30 P.M. until service time at the church. Interment will be in Whitehall Cemetery. Porter Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory can be made to Whitehall Church, 10954 Hwy 14 West, Louisville, MS or Mississippi Lions Clubs Sight Foundation, 431 Katherine Drive, Flowood, MS, 39232.

04/30/2026

Mrs. Carol Stewart Moody, 86, passed away on Tuesday, April 28, 2026, at her home in Louisville. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Saturday, May 2nd, at Calvary Baptist Church, with Rev. Stewart Moody and Rev. Johnny Collins officiating. Visitation will be Friday from 5:00 to 7:00 P.M. at Porter Funeral Home. Interment will be in Calvary Baptist Church Cemetery. Porter Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Carol was born March 20, 1940, in McComb, MS, to Kenneth and Helen Sproles Stewart. She attended Gillsburg Attendance Center through the 11th grade, and graduated from Liberty Attendance Center after the schools consolidated. After high school, she went on the earn a degree in education from Mississippi College. She taught elementary school for many years. She married Charles M. Moody in 1963, and supported him in his pastoral ministry through the years. They served at Zoar Baptist Church in Deltaville, VA from 1972 until 1985, and then at First Baptist Church in Morton, MS, for 15 years. They moved back to Louisville in 1996 when Charles accepted the senior pastor role at Calvary Baptist Church. Carol was a member of Calvary Baptist Church, where she was involved in all of the church ministries, especially WMU and the choir. Carol loved gardening and spending time with her grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Rev. Charles M. Moody; her parents; and her siblings, Pat Stewart Strum, Bill Stewart, and Kenneth Stewart, Jr.

She is survived by three sons, Stewart (Julie) Moody of Statesboro, GA; Stephen (Carolyn) Moody and Charlie (Heather) Moody, both of Louisville; seven grandchildren, Will (Belle) Moody, Elizabeth Anne (Cam) Carroll, Flint Moody, Cal Moody, Levi Moody, Fern Moody, and Ellie Moody; and two great grandchildren, Hazel Moody and Sammy Carroll.

Pallbearers will be Will Moody, Cam Carroll, Jordan Mitchell, Flint Moody, Cal Moody, and Levi Moody.

The family would like to thank Carol’s caregivers, Linda Mills and Bessie Mullens, who took such good care of her during the last few years.

Memorials may be made to Calvary Baptist Church.

04/22/2026

John W. “Johnny” Black, 71, passed away on Tuesday, April 21, 2026, at his home in Louisville, Ms. A graveside service and interment will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Saturday, April 25th, at Memorial Park Cemetery, with Rev. Mike Childs officiating. Porter Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Johnny was born February 16, 1955, in Louisville, MS, to Bobby Lee and Janice Lynn White Black. He was a 1973 graduate of Winston Academy, and went on to Mississippi State University where he earned a business degree. He was a pilot for Sharp Construction Company for many years. He was also a property manager for his family’s business. He was a lifelong member of Louisville Presbyterian Church.
He was preceded in death by his parents; and his grandparents, John C. and Sarah Elizabeth Power Black; and E. Edison and Mary Estelle Glenn White.
Johnny is survived by his wife, Kelley Palmer Black of Louisville; two sisters, Beth Black (Kerry) Edwards, and Rhee Black (Glynn) Hankins, both of Louisville; and two brothers, Mike (Debra) Black of Austin, TX, and Stefan (Lori) Black of Louisville, MS; and his nephews, Graham Black of Austin, TX, Sam Hankins of Starkville, MS, Calen Edwards of New Orleans, LA, and Curry Black of Louisville, MS.
In keeping with his love for animals, memorials in Johnny’s memory may be made to the Louisville Animal Shelter.

04/14/2026

Mr. Niles Patterson “Pat” Autry, Sr., passed away on Monday, April 13, 2026, at his home in Louisville, MS. He was born in Ashland, Mississippi on March 11, 1937. He grew up in Ashland where he learned the value of hard work. Pat was a graduate of Ashland High School and attended Mississippi State University where he earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting. Along the way, he married his high school
sweetheart Margaret Ann Kidd, and they began their life together in Jackson.

They moved to Louisville in 1965 and Pat began work with Taylor Machine Works, serving faithfully until his retirement in 1999 when he joined the board of directors. He worked during those same years for Temtco Steel from its beginning in 1973 until his retirement in 2019.

Pat accepted Christ as a teenager. He loved the Lord and was a faithful member of First Baptist Church, serving in various roles during his years there.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Nyleen and Niles Autry and two brothers Bobby Autry and Tommy Autry.

Pat is survived by his wife Margaret Kidd Autry of Louisville; a son, Pat Autry (Sharon) of Sherman, TX; and a daughter, Nancy Autry of Louisville. He was also D-Daddy to three grandchildren Brittlea, Crislynn, and Davis Autry, and two great granddaughters.

A private family graveside service will be held on Friday, April 17th, at Ashland City Cemetery in Ashland, MS. A memorial service honoring Pat’s life will be held at First Baptist Church of Louisville at noon on May 7th. Visitation will begin at 11am.

The family would like to extend special thanks to all those who have helped care for Dad. They have been such a blessing!

Porter Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. In lieu of flowers, consider a gift to Gateway Rescue Mission in Jackson, Mississippi, or House of Eli in Sherman, Texas, or French Camp Academy or other organization that shares God’s love.

04/14/2026

Rebecca Thornton Fair Giffin passed away on Sunday, April 12, 2026, at Winston Medical Center in Louisville, MS. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Saturday, April 18th, at Porter Funeral Home, with Dr. Bob Schwanebeck and Dr. Heath Cross officiating. Visitation will be Saturday from 10:00 A.M. until service time at the funeral home. Interment will be in Memorial Park Cemetery.

Rebecca “Becky” Giffin was born in Thomastown, Mississippi to Clayton Elias Thornton and Blanche Elizabeth Hollingsworth and lived in Kosciusko growing up. She had one younger beloved sister, Mary Lina Thornton Fenwick. She attended schools there and went on to Mississippi College for Women in Columbus, MS where she studied Bookkeeping and Education. She received her bachelor’s degree from “The W” and went on to teach in Louisville, MS where she met and married Frank Love Fair Jr. They had two sons- Frank Love Fair III and William Thornton Fair. After the sudden death of Frank L. Fair Jr. on Sept. 9,1959, Will Fair was born January 12, 1960. He later passed away from Leukemia at the age of 2. Becky later married Dr. Horton Giffin with whom she shared 35 years of marriage. She was a member of the First Presbyterian Church and was active in Circle, The Belle Arts Club, National Junior Auxiliary in which she served on the National council. She was an avid Bridge player and enjoyed playing in several Louisville clubs. She would not miss her weekly hair appointment and even made it in an ice storm when the electricity was out at her house – she simply took her crockpot of soup to the salon to plug in while getting her hair done!
She will best be remembered for her 1) Love of family ; 2) Good business sense; 3) Strong Opinions; 4) Great party planning, and 5) Wonderful Cooking which included Fried Chicken, Pimiento Cheese, Potato Soup, Fried Quail, Almond Rice, Fruitcake Cookies, Plantation Cake, and Hummingbird Cake. She had no fear of trying new recipes and even surprised herself at finding her own recipes to try again in old cookbooks!
She was a faithful friend, generous, proper, a great lover of shoes! She was not a fan of the internet but did learn to play Solitaire on the computer. She managed her husband’s property and hunting leases for 35 years but took pride in never pumping her own gas!
Through many hard challenges in her life, she remained steadfast and resilient and would be the epitome of the phrase: “Keep calm and Carry ON!” She was very artistic and made beautiful needlework pillows, wall hangings, and beaded flowers. Her ability to finish projects was to be admired! She kept a clean house and was always ready for guests. She used her creativity to create a lovely home. She was beloved by her children who admired her and aspired to learn from her example.
She was preceded in death by husbands, Frank L. Fair Jr., Dr. Horton Giffin, Son Will Fair, Step-daughter Phyllis Giffin Hobson, Father Clayton Thornton, Mother Blanche Thornton, Step-Mother Polly Lacey Thornton, and Sister Mary Lina Thornton Fenwick.
She is survived by her son, Frank Love Fair (wife: Frances) Grandchildren: Mary Elizabeth Fair Biddle (Adam Biddle), William Haynes Fair (Anna) Great Grands: Libby Lina Fair, Freddie Love Fair, Lula Augustine Fair; Andrew Frank Fair (Sarah Beth) Great Grands: Bena Frances Fair, and George Love Fair.
Stepsons: Dr. Keith Giffin (Billie Jean) Grandchildren: Paxton Giffin (Brittany) Great Grands: Miller Maxwell Giffin and Molly Marie Giffin; Maggie Giffin Weir (Bowen); Great Grands: Alva Bowen Weir V, Caroline Grace Weir.
Dr. Larry Giffin (Brenda) Grandchildren: Miller Giffin (Kristen) Great Grands: Heidi Giffin and Dafne Giffin. Lawrence Giffin (Laura) Great Grand: Agnes Giffin. Mali Giffin Glass (Dr. Mitchell Glass) Great Grands: Rivers Glass, Judah Glass, and Bear Glass.
Stepdaughter Phyllis Hobson’s children: Buster Hobson -Great Grands: William Hobson, Morgan Hobson, Nolan Hobson;
Wayne Hobson (Pam) Great Grands: Henry Hobson and Jaclyn Hobson.
Drew Hobson (Katie) Great Grands: Adelynn Hobson and Melanie Hobson; and
Russell Hobson-Great Grands: Lauren Hobson and Leslie Hobson.
Stepdaughter Renee Giffin Whites (Rob Whites), Grandson – Giffin Robert Whites.
She is also survived by many cousins and friends.
The family offers a special Thank You to Talishwa Elmore Clark, Bobbie Nicholson, and Delois Hathorn who were amazing, faithful caregivers through the course of her later years. The family also wishes to thank Jim Butts, Annette Crabtree and family cousins John and Bonnie Fair for their unfailing attention to Becky. It was much appreciated.
“The Memory of the righteous is a blessing..” Proverbs 10:7

03/31/2026

Mr. William Boyd Thrasher, 72, passed away on Monday, March 30, 2026, at The Carrington in Starkville, MS. A memorial service will be held at 6:00 P.M. on Wednesday, April 1st, at Porter Funeral Home, with Rev. Joel Britt and Rev. Frank Keeton officiating. Visitation will be Wednesday from 5:00 P.M. until service time at the funeral home. Porter Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Boyd was born February 22, 1954, in Louisville, MS. He was the oldest son of James and Shirley Robertson Thrasher. He moved to Starkville in 1962 and it was home to him. He lived some in Baton Rouge and loved visiting there. He married the love of his life, Debra Kitchens-Thrasher, on December 2, 1971. Boyd and Debra shared a love of riding motorcycles. They even dated on one. He loved to cook and did most of the cooking at home. He passed this gift on to his sons and at least one grandson. He was a meat cutter and a Class A certified welder, and worked for many years at Taylor Machine Works. There was no job that he wouldn’t do to feed his family. He was big talker and very jolly. He was a hard-working man and took his responsibility of providing for his family seriously. He always appreciated his daughters-in-law, Michelle and Kristy, as they were the daughters that he never had. When the grandchildren came, he loved them all. Debra and Boyd prayed for them all a lot. When he found out that his first great grandson was having problems, he prayed every night for his well-being. When Gunner was born at 2 lbs. 14 oz., he thanked God. Gunner was the miracle baby and a gift from God. His family and friends meant the world to him. He would help them anyway he could. If he could talk to you, this is what he would say: “Put God first, put you family next to God, read you Bible, work hard and take care of your family.” He loves you and hopes to see you again one day.
He was preceded in death by his parents, and a brother, Marty Davis Thrasher.
He is survived by two sons, William (Michelle) Thrasher, Jr. of Starkville, MS, and Brian (Kristy) Thrasher of Hulka, MS; three sisters, Mary Alice (Frank) Keeton of Ackerman, Kathy (David) Wentworth of Memphis, MO, and Barbara (Jerry) Reitz of Pryor, OK; five grandchildren, Joseph (Stephanie) Thrasher, William (Geanalynn) Thrasher, Shanna (Austin) Williams, Conner Thrasher, and Reagan Thrasher; three great grandchildren, Gunner Smith, Victor Brown, and Mira Thrasher; and he had 7 nieces and 4 nephews.
Sometimes the road you travel doesn’t lead to the destination that you had hoped for. But if you can look back on the trip and still smile, then it was worth it.
Memorials in Boyd’s memory may be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital.
To sign the guestbook, please go to www.porterfuneralhome.net