Newton County Funeral Home

05/18/2026

Ronnie Cook, age 53, and a current resident of Newton, passed away Sunday, May 17, 2026 at his home surrounded by his family.

Visitation will be from 5:00 pm - 8:00 pm on Wednesday, May 20, 2026 at Newton County Funeral Home - South, 100 Old Hwy. 15 Loop, Newton. Funeral services will begin at 10:00 am on Thursday, May 21, 2026 in the funeral home chapel with burial to follow in Pine Grove Cemetery in the House community. Longtime friend, Larry Blackburn will preside.

Ronnie was born in Florida and the family moved to Alabama early in life, where he attended primary and junior high school. The family moved to Mississippi in 1986, and Ronnie was a graduate of Northeast Lauderdale High. He furthered his education at Meridian Community College before entering the workforce. Ronnie was the current owner of Cook's Bar-B-Que in Newton, since 2008. He enjoyed spending time with his grandkids, hunting and fishing, and all things outdoors. He will be greatly missed by those who knew and loved him.

Ronnie was preceded in death by paternal grandparents, Remus and Lilly Mae Cook and maternal grandparents, Owen Jackson and Edna Johnsen and his "local Mississippi adopted father", Curtis Blackburn.

Survivors include his wife, Ginger Page Cook; four children, Chase (Bethanie) Cook, Christopher (Marion) Cook, Maggie Page Peebles, and Ryder Furr; three grandchildren, Easton Cook, Sarah Cook, and Braxton Cook; bonus grandchildren, Grace, Remi and Tatum Ming; his parents, Ronnie and Suzanne Cook; one brother, Rick (Christine) Cook and one sister, Kellie Cook; one niece, Emily Cook and one nephew, Austin Cook; parents-in-law, Tim and Rita Page; one brother-in-law, Brent (Kristen) Page; one niece, Addy Page and two nephews, Easton Page and Brody Page, and many friends.

Pallbearers will be Chase Cook, Christopher Cook, Tim Blackburn, Tab Blackburn, Norman Blackburn, Drew Blackburn, Terry Todd, and John Dufour.

Honorary Pallbearers will be Ronnie Cook, Rick Cook, Austin Cook, Tim Page, Phillip Ming, Mark Peebles, Neal Holliman, Ricky Watkins, Brent Page, and Ryder Furr.

05/11/2026

Brenda Kay Evans Rush, age 67, and a current resident of Newton, passed away on Tuesday, May 5, 2026, at Baptist Anderson Regional Medical Center in Meridian.

Visitation will begin at 2:00 pm on Sunday, May 17, 2026, at Newton County Funeral Home North, with memorial services to follow at 3:30 pm in the funeral home chapel. Burial will follow at Ephesus Baptist Cemetery in Scott County at a later date. Pastor Tyler McCraw and Rev. Larry Reed will preside.

Brenda was born June 17, 1958, in West Virigina to her parents, Austin H. "Buddy" Watkins, Jr., and Frankie Lee Walker Watkins, who precede her in death. She was an advocate of cooking, planning for big events, especially, Thanksgiving and Christmas. She was an avid supporter of her grandchildren, in their sporting events, with her presence. She loved her Newton County Academy family and enjoyed going to the weekly games to support her grandson, Cameron "Grammie". She had a special bond with grandson Kody, that grew into a wonderful relationship. Sophia was the pageant great-granddaughter and also was supported by her "Grandma" at her softball games, awards days, and beauty reviews. One who enjoyed travelling, Mrs. Brenda, enjoyed mountain scenery and the white sands and crashing of the waves on the beach. Manager of Smash Fitness at Newton, she enjoyed visiting with the members and was an encouragement to those she came in contact with, referred often as the "Gym Mama."

Also preceding her in death, is her daughter, Angela Renee Vincent, and Brenda is survived by two sons, Trinity James Evans of Lawrence and Dustin Wayne (Tiffany Michelle) Evans of Hickory; two grandchildren, Christopher Kody Holcombe and Cameron James Barry Evans; one great-granddaughter, Sophia Grace Rivera; two sisters, Tammy Lynn Watkins of Vicksburg and Glenda Ann Rogers of Decatur and one brother: Alan Randall Watkins of Mobile, AL, and several nieces and nephews; one aunt, Betty Dobbs of Newton and one uncle, Travis (Billie Marie) Watkins of Lawrence, and her canine fur babies, Dolly Ann and Barry Patch.

Flowers will be accepted for the service and may be delivered to the funeral home.

An online guestbook may be viewed and signed at www.newtoncountyfuneralhome.com

05/11/2026

Services for Mrs. Jeanette G. Strait will begin at 12:00 pm on Wednesday, May 13, 2026 at Sand Springs Baptist Church (north of Hickory), with burial to follow in the Pine Ridge Cemetery at Lawrence under the direction of Newton County Funeral Home.

Visitation will begin at 10:00 am on Wednesday at the church and continue until service time.

Jeanette Strait passed from this life into eternity on May 8, 2026, at her home, surrounded by her family and loved ones. She was born on August 23, 1957, in the Mississippi Delta.

Jeanette is survived by her husband of 51 years, Ronnie Strait; two sons Rocky Strait (Becky), Billy Strait (Nicky); one daughter, Amanda Strait; one sister, Trisha Ann Gilbert (John) and honorary daughter, Chafony Poole (Bud); twelve grandchildren and five great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her stepfather, Earl Bunch; mother, Nell Bunch; one brother, Jamie Bunch; her stepmom, Dorthy Wilkerson, one sister, Betty Boone, her father, Jim Wilkerson, and grandson Marquise Poole.

She grew up living with her mom, Nell Bunch and stepfather, Earl Bunch until she was sixteen years old when she left home to attend Clarke Memorial College of Nursing in Newton, MS.

On May 31, 1974, she met Ronnie Strait while shopping at a local grocery store in Newton. They began dating and were married on August 22, 1974. Jeanette was all about family and educating children. She worked twelve years as a teacher and later director of We Care Daycare Facility. During the last four years of teaching at We Care, she obtained her Associate’s degree from East Central Community College and her Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from Mississippi State University - Meridian campus, with a 4.0 Grade point average.

She started teaching kindergarten at Newton Elementary School and later at the age of 40, she received her master’s degree in education from MSU Meridian campus with a 4.0 GPA. She taught Kindergarten for 27 years in the same classroom at Newton Elementary. She reluctantly gave up teaching and retired in 2019. Jeanette loved her family, her school children, her Sand Springs Church family and most of all her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

An online guestbook may be viewed and signed at www.newtoncountyfuneralhome.com

05/05/2026

Sara Lisann White was born on June 28, 1985, in Meridian, MS. She passed from this life on Friday, May 1, 2026, in Hattiesburg, MS.

Visitation will be held on Friday, May 8, 2026, at Newton County Funeral Home South. Visitation will begin at 9:00 AM until 11:00 AM.

The funeral service will begin at 11:00 AM in the chapel.

Sara attended school in the Newton Municipal School District, earned her GED and attended Pearl River Community College Hattiesburg Campus for nursing prerequisites. She attended Jones County Junior College where she completed requirements for EMT and Paramedic certification, earning NREMT credentials in both EMT and Paramedic fields. She worked for ambulance services in Hattiesburg and Rankin County. She worked on offshore oil rigs as a paramedic for approximately three years. She completed a hybrid nursing program through Gulf Coast Community College and graduated with an Associate Degree of Nursing in May 2023. After graduation she worked as a nurse in the prison system of Jones County and later as a travel nurse in the prison systems in South Dakota and New Mexico. When she returned to Hattiesburg, she worked PRN for Pafford Ambulance Service in the Rankin County area and worked a brief time at Wesley Merit Health in Hattiesburg. Her desire to earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree led to enrollment in online classes at the University of Southern Mississippi. Continuing to work PRN for Pafford, she also worked as a hospice nurse for 6 months at Legacy Hospice while completing BSN classes. Her BSN degree will be conferred this month.

Sara was preceded in death by paternal grandparents, James and Marie White; maternal grandparents, Clifton and Catherine Kelly; sons, Joshua Ray and Preston James White; half-brother, Herbert D. White, Jr.., uncle, Ernie White and aunt Lorie White.

She is survived by her father Herbert D. White; her mother, Sue Kelly; blended family siblings-- Denesia, Richard (Tara), Olivia, Alicia, Jessica, and Thomas; uncles—Harvey (Linda), Tommy (Jennifer), and Calvin (Lisa) White; aunts—Carolyn Baswell (Gary), Linda Spears Parker (Larry), and Shirley Ann Reed (Barry); numerous cousins, extended family and friends.

She is also survived by lifelong friend and sister-in-heart, Emily Bradley Ferko and her mother Jean Bradley; special friends Josh Oswalt and Ken Fetzer; and her fur babies Wheaty and Biscuit.
There will be no graveside service.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in her memory to Hub City Humane Society, 95 Jackson Rd., Hattiesburg, MS 39042 (601-596-2206), or to any animal shelter.

Newton County Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

An online guestbook may be viewed and signed at www.newtoncountyfuneralhome.com

04/28/2026

William Thomas Humphreys, age 83, and a longtime resident of Newton, passed away Monday, April 27, 2026 at his residence.
Visitation will begin at 9:00 am and continue to the service hour, on Friday, May 01, 2026, at First Baptist Church of Newton.
Services will begin at 11:00 am on Friday, May 01, 2026 at First Baptist Church of Newton. Dr. Brian Rushing and Rev. Chris Spence will officiate. Burial will follow at Lawrence Cemetery under the direction of Newton County Funeral Home.
Mr. Humphreys was born, March 04, 1943, in southern Newton County. He was a graduate of Newton High School (1961) and attended East Central Junior College on a football scholarship. He then joined the Mississippi Army National Guard, where he served six years. He married Sylvia Jones on July 23, 1966, and to this union two children were born. Mr. Humphreys served Mississippi Power Company and Southern Pine Electric Company for a total of 46 years, combined. When he worked for Mississippi Power, he had the distinguished honor of receiving the Mississippi Power "Employee of the Year", being the youngest recipient of this award, to date. Mr. Humphreys was a Christian by faith and a member of First Baptist Church of Newton, where he served on several committees. An avid outdoorsman, he enjoyed fishing, first and foremost, with his friends, also quail hunting, and training bird dogs in his early years. He loved his family very much, especially his grandchildren. He will be missed by those who knew and loved him.
He was preceded in death by his son, William Scott Humphreys; his parents, James L. “Sonny Boy” and Melba Loper Humphreys; one brother, Benny Lamar Humphreys and two sisters, Barbara Haralson and Mary Everett.
Survivors include his wife of almost 60 years, Sylvia Jones Humphreys of Newton; one daughter, Amy McGee of Union; daughter-in-law, Shellie Humphreys Wyatt (Jimmy); grandchildren, Josh McGee, Gracie Humphreys Hollingsworth (Colby), and Mallory McGee; two brothers: Jimmy Dale Humphreys (Voncille) of Moselle and Jerry Humphreys (Betty Jo) of Lawrence; a host of nieces and nephews survive.
Pallbearers will be Chad Lewis, Andy Rowzee, Will McMillan, Joel Nelson, Mike Strebeck, and Jimmy Wyatt.
Honorary pallbearers will be William Emmons, Dean Russell, and Benny Nelson, and the Yokefellows Sunday School Class.
Memorial donations may be made to Mississippi Baptist Children's Village, P.O. Box 27, Clinton, MS 39060, or to the Gideon's International, Inc., Newton Camp, P.O. Box 197, Newton, MS 39345.
Newton County Funeral Home - South, 100 Old Hwy. 15 Loop, Newton is in charge of arrangements.

04/28/2026

William Thomas Humphreys, age 83, and a longtime resident of Newton, passed away Monday, April 27, 2026 at his residence.

Visitation will begin at 9:00 am and continue to the service hour, on Friday, May 01, 2026, at First Baptist Church of Newton.

Services will begin at 11:00 am on Friday, May 01, 2026 at First Baptist Church of Newton. Dr. Brian Rushing and Rev. Chris Spence will officiate. Burial will follow at Lawrence Cemetery under the direction of Newton County Funeral Home.

Mr. Humphreys was born, March 04, 1943, in southern Newton County. He was a graduate of Newton High School (1961) and attended East Central Junior College on a football scholarship. He then joined the Mississippi Army National Guard, where he served six years. He married Sylvia Jones on July 23, 1966, and to this union two children were born. Mr. Humphreys served Mississippi Power Company and Southern Pine Electric Company for a total of 46 years, combined. When he worked for Mississippi Power, he had the distinguished honor of receiving the Mississippi Power "Employee of the Year", being the youngest recipient of this award, to date. Mr. Humphreys was a Christian by faith and a member of First Baptist Church of Newton, where he served on several committees. An avid outdoorsman, he enjoyed fishing, first and foremost, with his friends, also quail hunting, and training bird dogs in his early years. He loved his family very much, especially his grandchildren. He will be missed by those who knew and loved him.

He was preceded in death by his son, William Scott Humphreys; his parents, James L. “Sonny Boy” and Melba Loper Humphreys; one brother, Benny Lamar Humphreys and two sisters, Barbara Haralson and Mary Everett.

Survivors include his wife of almost 60 years, Sylvia Jones Humphreys of Newton; one daughter, Amy McGee of Union; daughter-in-law, Shellie Humphreys Wyatt (Jimmy); grandchildren, Josh McGee, Gracie Humphreys Hollingsworth (Colby), and Mallory McGee; two brothers: Jimmy Dale Humphreys (Voncille) of Moselle and Jerry Humphreys (Betty Jo) of Lawrence; a host of nieces and nephews survive.

Pallbearers will be Chad Lewis, Andy Rowzee, Will McMillan, Joel Nelson, Mike Strebeck, and Jimmy Wyatt.

Honorary pallbearers will be William Emmons, Dean Russell, and Benny Nelson, and the Yokefellows Sunday School Class.

Memorial donations may be made to Mississippi Baptist Children's Village, P.O. Box 27, Clinton, MS 39060, or to the Gideon's International, Inc., Newton Camp, P.O. Box 197, Newton, MS 39345.

Newton County Funeral Home - South, 100 Old Hwy. 15 Loop, Newton is in charge of arrangements.

An online guestbook may be viewed and signed at

Newton County Funeral Home quietly provides support, guidance, compassion and total commitment at a time when inner strength and peace are challenged.

04/27/2026

Richard Gregory "Greg" Prestage, a devoted father, loving son and brother, and skilled H-Vac and mechanic, passed away on April 23, 2026, in Morton, Mississippi. Born November 22, 1981, in Flowood, Mississippi, Greg was a proud graduate of James Madison High School in Georgia. His passing leaves a deep void in the hearts of all who knew and loved him.

Greg lived a life full of passion and dedication. His interests spanned riding motorcycles, fishing, and joyfully playing with his children, nieces, and nephews. His keen ability to fix things was well known and admired by family and friends alike, embodying the spirit of a handyman who could always be counted on in times of need.

He will be greatly missed by his cherished family, including his two daughters, Issabella Newsome and Kelsey Harmon, and his son, Brendon Ogletree. Greg's mother, Janice Prestage, his sister, Brandi Ingram, along with his nephews Kayne Sudduth, Abel Ingram, Issac Ingram, and nieces Riley Ingram and Aniyah Ingram, carry forward his legacy of love and strength. He is also survived by a host of aunts, uncles, and cousins who remember him fondly.

Greg was preceded in death by his brother, Gary Steven Prestage; his father, Richard Lee Prestage; his maternal grandparents, James Patrick and Verba Lee Bynum Valentine; his paternal grandparents, Russell and Dorothy May Hegwood Prestage; along with aunts Patricia Ann Derrick, Carolyn Trudeau, Becky Ann Prestage, and uncles Jerry Wayne Prestage and Benny Charles Prestage.

The family invites all who knew Greg to honor his memory and celebrate his life through several services. A viewing will be held on Monday, April 27, 2026, from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Newton County Funeral Home - North located at 9995 MS- Hwy 15 in Newton, Mississippi. Another viewing will follow at Liberty Baptist Church at 2824 Old Highway 80, Forest, Mississippi, on Tuesday, April 28, 2026, from 11:00 AM until 1:00 PM, immediately preceding the funeral service which starts at 1:00 PM at the same location. A graveside service will take place at Oak Grove Church of God in Polkville, Mississippi, from 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM on April 28. Rev. Jerry Holmes will officiate the services.

In this time of sorrow, the family finds comfort in the generosity of spirit, the countless memories shared, and the enduring bonds that Greg cultivated throughout his lifetime. His legacy of love, laughter, and hands-on care will forever remain a guiding light for those who were fortunate to have known him.

Pallbearers will be Steve Hardin, Noah Traxler, Logan Phillips, Kenny Wayne Meadows, Robert Lingle, and Dave Traxler.

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

04/27/2026

Richard Gregory "Greg" Prestage, a devoted father, loving son and brother, and skilled H-Vac and mechanic, passed away on April 23, 2026, in Morton, Mississippi. Born November 22, 1981, in Flowood, Mississippi, Greg was a proud graduate of James Madison High School in Georgia. His passing leaves a deep void in the hearts of all who knew and loved him.

Greg lived a life full of passion and dedication. His interests spanned riding motorcycles, fishing, and joyfully playing with his children, nieces, and nephews. His keen ability to fix things was well known and admired by family and friends alike, embodying the spirit of a handyman who could always be counted on in times of need.

He will be greatly missed by his cherished family, including his two daughters, Issabella Newsome and Kelsey Harmon, and his son, Brendon Ogletree. Greg's mother, Janice Prestage, his sister, Brandi Ingram, along with his nephews Kayne Sudduth, Abel Ingram, Issac Ingram, and nieces Riley Ingram and Aniyah Ingram, carry forward his legacy of love and strength. He is also survived by a host of aunts, uncles, and cousins who remember him fondly.

Greg was preceded in death by his brother, Gary Steven Prestage; his father, Richard Lee Prestage; his maternal grandparents, James Patrick and Verba Lee Bynum Valentine; his paternal grandparents, Russell and Dorothy May Hegwood Prestage; along with aunts Patricia Ann Derrick, Carolyn Trudeau, Becky Ann Prestage, and uncles Jerry Wayne Prestage and Benny Charles Prestage.

The family invites all who knew Greg to honor his memory and celebrate his life through several services. A viewing will be held on Monday, April 27, 2026, from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Newton County Funeral Home - North located at 9995 MS- Hwy 15 in Newton, Mississippi. Another viewing will follow at Liberty Baptist Church at 2824 Old Highway 80, Forest, Mississippi, on Tuesday, April 28, 2026, from 11:00 AM until 1:00 PM, immediately preceding the funeral service which starts at 1:00 PM at the same location. A graveside service will take place at Oak Grove Church of God in Polkville, Mississippi, from 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM on April 28. Rev. Jerry Holmes will officiate the services.

In this time of sorrow, the family finds comfort in the generosity of spirit, the countless memories shared, and the enduring bonds that Greg cultivated throughout his lifetime. His legacy of love, laughter, and hands-on care will forever remain a guiding light for those who were fortunate to have known him.

Pallbearers will be Steve Hardin, Noah Traxler, Logan Phillips, Kenny Wayne Meadows, Robert Lingle, and Dave Traxler.

An online guestbook may be signed at

Newton County Funeral Home quietly provides support, guidance, compassion and total commitment at a time when inner strength and peace are challenged.

04/20/2026

Steven Harold “Happy” Litchfield

No services will be held for Steven Harold “Happy” Litchfield.
His cremains will be privately interred at Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church Cemetery.

Mr. Litchfield, age 69, of Hickory, died Sunday, April 19, 2026 at his home. Known by his friends, as “Happy”, he will be remembered for his love of baseball, dirt track racing, and painting.

He is survived by one son, Mitch Litchfield and one daughter, Amanda Lockhart and her husband, Ben; two granddaughters, June Lockhart and Lucy Lockhart; one brother, Don Litchfield and his wife Beverly; several nieces and nephews also survive.

Mr. Litchfield is preceded in death his wife, Cindy Embrey Litchfield; his parents, Joe Turner and Leona Williamson Litchfield, and several siblings.

Newton County Funeral Home served the Litchfield family,

An online guestbook may be viewed and signed at www.newtoncountyfuneralhome.com

04/15/2026

Jack “Bo” Dean, 71, of Lawrence, Mississippi, passed away on Tuesday, April 14th, 2026 at UMMC in Jackson, Mississippi.

Visitation will begin at 10:00 am on Friday, April 17, 2026 at Newton County Funeral Home South, 100 Old Hwy. 15 Loop, Newton. Services will immediately follow the visitation at 11:00 am in the funeral home chapel. Rev. Mark Vincent will officiate the funeral service and Bro. Steve Robinson will officiate the graveside service. Burial will be in Poplar Springs Cemetery.

Born on August 19th, 1954 in Newton, Mississippi, Bo was the son of Jack and Thelma Dean. He graduated from Newton High School and later attended Mississippi State University.

He enjoyed riding horses, hunting, and enjoying time with his family.

Bo is survived by his wife of 46 years Wynette Dean; daughter, Tammy Cleveland (Blue); three grandchildren: C**t Cleveland, Cain Cleveland (Brittney), and Jesus Aleman (Kayla); five great-grandchildren; sister, Gail Parnell; brother, Thomas Dean; as well as numerous other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his father, Jack Dean; his mother, Thelma Dean Floyd (Robert “Bob”); his sister, Jeanette Stamper; his nephew, Bryne Dean; great-niece Lilly Dean; and his beloved dog, Patches.

Pallbearers will be Blue Cleveland, C**t Cleveland, Cain Cleveland, Jesus Aleman, Tad Dean, Joey Hand.

Honorary Pallbearers will be Randy Wall, Bubba Bonds, and Richard Woodham.

Newton County Funeral Home South, 100 Old Hwy. 15 Loop, Newton, is in charge of arrangements.

An online guestbook may be viewed and signed at www.newtoncountyfuneralhome.com

04/08/2026

Christian Shane Allen
August 31, 1998 - April 06, 2026

Christian Shane Allen, age 27, and a resident of Philadelphia, passed away on Monday, April 06, 2026.

Visitation will begin at 12:00 pm on Saturday, April 11, 2026 and continue until the service hour at Newton County Funeral Home South, 100 Old Hwy. Loop, Newton.

Services will follow the visitation and begin at 2:00 pm in the funeral home chapel with burial to follow in the Lawrence Cemetery.

A complete obituary is forthcoming.

An online guestbook may be viewed and signed at www.newtoncountyfuneralhome.com