Newton County Funeral Home

01/05/2026

Robert L. "Bobby" Butler, 83 of Hickory, passed away Sunday, January 4, 2026 in Meridian, Mississippi.

He was born Saturday, August 29, 1942 in Lauderdale County, Mississippi.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, January 6, 2026 from 10:00 AM until 12:00 PM at Newton County Funeral Home - South, 100 Old Hwy. 15 Loop, Newton, with funeral services immediately following at the same location. Burial will follow in Sand Springs Baptist Church Cemetery in Hickory. Dr. Randy Rich will officiate.

Bobby was a devoted member and deacon at Hickory Baptist Church, where his strong Christian Faith guided his life. He was known for standing firmly on his convictions while always treating others with kindness, respect, and had a genuine love for his Hickory Baptist Church Family.

Bobby devoted his life to farming and understood the value of hard work and commitment. As a lifelong cattle farmer, he poured his time and energy into the land and cattle he loved. Working alongside his wife was one of his greatest blessings, and together built a life rooted in faith, family, and honest work.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Bro. William Everett and Etta Launa Wedgeworth Butler and two brothers, James Butler and Clarence Butler.

Survivors include his loving wife of 58 years, Frances Butler of Hickory; son, Mike (Karla) Butler of Hickory; three grandchildren, Alex (Hunter) Williams, Jayden Butler and Karmyn Rivers Butler; two brothers, Billy Butler and Randy (Darlene) Butler, both of Union; a host of nieces, nephews, and other extended family.

Pallbearers will be Bill Brand, Sidney Cook, Lucas Little, Lowery McGee, Justin Mills, and Wyatt Tullos.

Honorary pallbearers will be Mack Fanning, Tommy Coghlan, Gerald Goodin, Robert Luke, Troy Brand, Jimmy Coker, and Davis Bond.

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

01/01/2026

A new year often brings a mix of reflection and hope. To the families we’ve served this past year: you remain in our thoughts. May 2026 bring you the comfort and strength you deserve. Happy New Year from our family to yours.

12/31/2025

James “Dudley” Hamm, age 81 of Hickory, passed away Tuesday, December 30, 2025 at his residence. He was born Wednesday, June 7, 1944 in Lake, Mississippi.

Visitation will be held on Friday, January 2, 2026 from 5:00 pm until 7:00 pm at Newton County Funeral Home - South, 100 Old Highway 15 Loop, Newton.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, January 3, 2026 at 11:00 am at Newton County Funeral Home - South Chapel. Burial will follow in Meehan Cemetery under the direction of Newton County Funeral Home.

Bro. William Savell will officiate.

Mr. Hamm was a native of Scott County and educated in the Lake School System. He was a retired road foreman for Lauderdale County. Favorite past times were rabbit hunting and getting together with his friends at the Chunky River on the weekends. He enjoyed spending time with his family.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Grace Wilkerson Hamm; his parents, John and Ruby Hamm and three brothers, Ernest Hamm, infant Jesse Hamm and infant Doyle Hamm.

Survivors include his daughters, Michelle Hamm of Meridian and Renee Hamm of Brandon; two brothers, David Hamm (Betty) of Jackson and Jerry Hamm (Linda) of Union; two sisters, Liz Butts (Dub) of Union and Jane Hamm of Union; one sister-in-law, Deborah Hamm of Union; numerous nieces and nephews also survive.

Pallbearers will be Justice Smith, Jordan Smith, Steve Smith, Sam Gressett, Dickie Alsup, and Chris Freeman.

Newton County Funeral Home - South is in charge of arrangements.

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

12/26/2025

Jerry Lee Cooley, age 77, passed away leaving behind a legacy of service, hard work, and deep devotion to his family.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, December 27, 2025 from 10:00 am until 10:55 am at Providence Missionary Baptist Church, 13091 Suqualena Rd., Chunky. Funeral services will begin at 11:00 am at the same location, with burial to follow in Providence Church Cemetery under the direction of Newton County Funeral Home.

Jerry proudly served his country in the United States Marine Corps, including service during the Vietnam War. Following his military service, he dedicated his professional life to a long and respected career in Forestry, a field that reflected his strong work ethic and appreciation for the outdoors. He was a member of Providence Missionary Baptist Church, and the Masonic Order, affiliated with Mellon Lodge at Chunky, and the Hamasa Shriners.

Jerry was a devoted husband to his loving wife, Dorcas Cooley, with whom he shared 53 years of marriage. Together they built a strong family rooted in faith, love, and commitment.

He is survived by his wife, Dorcas Cooley; his sons, Aaron Cooley (Jessica) and Andrew Cooley (Christy); his grandsons, Jacob Cooley (Kimberly), Mason Cooley, Wesley Cooley, and Lyndon Cooley; and his great-grandchildren, Rydge, Bonner, Lennon Mae, and Lawton James. He is also survived by his sisters, Barbara Brown and Virginia Rigdon (Donald); numerous nieces and nephews also survive.

Jerry was preceded in death by his parents, Abe and Beadie Cooley; his sisters, Imogene Hamner and Dorothy Freeman, and his brothers-in-law, Ray Freeman and Henry Brown.

Pallbearers will be Aaron Cooley, Andrew Cooley, Jacob Cooley, Mason Cooley, Wesley Cooley, and Lyndon Cooley.

In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully requests that memorial donations be made to the Providence Missionary Baptist Church Building Fund.

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

12/25/2025

Wishing everyone in our community a very Merry Christmas. From our family to yours—have a blessed and peaceful day.

11/27/2025

From our family to yours, we wish you a peaceful Thanksgiving filled with warmth and good company. Today, we reflect on how grateful we are for the trust this community places in us. May your day be full of cherished memories.

Happy Thanksgiving! 🍂🧡

11/25/2025

Bessie Matilda "Tillie" Stewart, age 81, passed away Saturday, November 22, 2025 at Bedford Care Center of Newton.

Funeral services will begin at 2:00 pm, Tuesday, November 25, 2025 at Hopewell Community Church, 2852 CR 20, Rose Hill, MS 39356. Burial will follow in Hopewell Methodist Cemetery on the church grounds.

Tillie was born in Rose Hill, in 1944 to John and Aurelia McCormick. She attended school in Hickory and then in Bay Springs, graduating in 1962. She lived in Clarke County for many years, and most recently lived in Newton, and was a member of Newton Methodist Church.

Tillie spent most of her adult life as a business owner, operating businesses in Newton, Quitman, Shubuta, and Bay Springs. She was a hard worker and a savvy businesswoman. She was well-loved by her customers, who always had kind words about her.

Tillie was a great cook and loved to gather her family for a meal, followed by hours of stories and conversation. She had a knack for growing things and always had a variety of plants and flowers throughout the yard and house. She also had a talent for putting people at ease and always had a smile and kind words for everyone. She loved to laugh and took delight in small things. She always loved music and was still singing to her nurses during her last days.

She was preceded in death by her husbands, Sammy Pugh and Luther Stewart; her parents and one brother, Johnny McCormick.

Survivors include her two sons, Jeff Pugh (Karen) of Newton and Jim Stewart (Amanda) of Rayville, LA; two step-daughters, Billie Melton of Byhalia and Brenda Bond (Phillip) of Baxterville; three sisters, Martha Ann Ballard, Judy Lynn Rowell (Mitchell) and Aurelia Pearl Alexander (Mike) all of Rose Hill; one grandchild, Audrey Pugh; five step grandchildren, Justin Martin, Kristi Martin, Chris Melton, Teresa Davis and Amanda Blackburn; several nieces and nephews also survive.

Pallbearers will be family and friends.

Amanda Blackburn will sing special music.

The family would like to acknowledge and thank the staff of both Beehive Homes and Bedford Care in Newton for the kindness and care shown to Tillie during her time with them.

Newton County Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

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

11/20/2025

Julia Maxine Mitchell gained her wings on November 18, 2025, leaving behind the greatest gift of all, LOVE. Her legacy is the footprints she left in the lives of those she touched with her determination to bring people to Christ. Born on January 27, 1940, in Pineville, Mississippi, within Smith County. She touched the lives of everyone who crossed her path. She was always known for her warm smile and unwavering generosity, she lived a life filled with compassion and grace. She was known as a God-fearing lady “that walked the walk and talked the talk”.
She Gained her Wings
No more suffering or pain to endure
She gained her wings
It’s now her time to soar
As she took her last breath
God held his arms wide open
Come to me my child
I will carry you to heaven
Your body is now out of distress
Your family will morn
Your family will cry
As now they have to say goodbye
A mother
A grandmother
A friend
Please wait for us
When we will cross over and meet you at the bridges end...
Maxine began her career working at the Forest Sunbeam plant. She spent years with the company achieving various job advances, until she returned to school for an opportunity to work in the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). She worked feverishly to succeed as a dedicated employee, always striving to be a key employee. She deeply valued the friendships she formed over the years taking every opportunity to share God’s word and love.
Maxine will be deeply missed by her children, Jeff Mitchell (Susan), Jan Mitchell Maner (Tony), and John Mitchell. Her love was the foundation of the family home. She, being the best mother ever, taught her children the true meaning of kindness, by showing them how to love selflessly as Christ commanded us; “Love each other as I have loved you”.
Maxine leaves behind a large legacy of eighteen grandchildren, seventeen great-grandchildren, and three great-great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband of sixty-six years, James Ellis Mitchell, parents, Hilton Thurman Weems and Etta Irene Weems, sister, Alice Jean Patterson, and brother, Richard Thurman Weems. Though she may no longer walk among us, Maxine’s spirit lives on through the lives she touched and the invaluable lessons she shared. Her warmth, wisdom, and kindness will remain forever in the hearts of those who knew her, a testament to a life well-lived and a love that will never fade.
Visitation will start at 10 a.m. followed by the funeral service at 1 p.m. Saturday, November 22, 2025, at Hillcrest Church. Officiating the service are Bro. Reggie Tatum, Jason Gibson and Bro. Gary Morris. Burial will follow in the Homewood Church Cemetery at 8720 Highway 35 South, Forest, MS. 39074
Serving as pallbearers are Jordan Maner, Jaydon Gibson, Brandon Lang, Andy Sistrunk, Clay Mitchell, Logan McDonald, Austin Ferguson, and Phillip Townsend.
We ask that you remember her not for the way her life ended, but for the way it was lived, and for the profound impact it had on the lives of those who had the pleasure of knowing her.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you make donations to Hillcrest Church, 3790 Highway 35 South, Forest, MS. 39074.

11/12/2025

Mrs. Iona Constance Leslie was born Friday, June 7, 1929 in Newdehli, India. She passed away Friday, November 7, 2025 in Meridian at the age of 96.

A funeral mass will begin at 10:00 am on Tuesday, November 18, 2025 at St. Anne Catholic Church. Burial will follow in Newton County Memorial Gardens. Father Carlisle Beggerly will officiate.

Visitation will be held on Monday, November 17, 2025 from 5:00 pm until 7:00 pm, with Rosary beginning at 6:30 pm, at Newton County Funeral Home – North, 9998 Hwy. 15 North, Newton.

Mrs. Leslie was a longtime resident of Newton, who served in the British Army during the Korean War, where she met her future husband. She was a retired employee of the Newton Company, and a member of St. Anne Catholic Church, where she served as organist. She was also a long-standing member of the Pink Ladies Auxiliary of Newton Regional Hospital and Pioneer Community Hospital.

She was preceded in death by her husband, R. L. Leslie and her parents, Joseph and Violet Deugo.

Survivors include her sons, Rufus Leslie of Picayune, Carl Leslie (Teresa) of Carriere, and John Leslie of Newton; daughter, Connie Myers (Ricky) of Lauderdale; eleven grandchildren; twenty great-grandchildren and two great-great grandchildren.

Mrs. Leslie was one of nine siblings, whose families still reside in England.

Pallbearers will be Chris Myers, Kerry Myers, Patrick Leslie, Connor Myers, Carson Myers, and Mason Leslie.

Honorary pallbearers will be Garrett Myers and Adler Myers.

Newton County Funeral Home North, 9998 Hwy. 15 N, Newton, is in charge of arrangements.

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

11/11/2025

On this Veterans Day, we pause to honor the brave men and women who have worn the uniform of the United States. Your unwavering commitment, courage, and sacrifice have protected the freedoms we cherish every day.

To all our veterans, past and present: thank you. We are eternally grateful for your service to our nation.

11/11/2025

Henry Glen Brown, age 78, and a resident of Chunky, passed away Sunday, November 9, 2025 at Oschner Rush Hospital in Meridian.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, November 12, 2025 from 11:00 am until 12:00 pm at Providence Missionary Baptist Church, 13091 Suqualena Rd., Chunky, with services immediately following the visitation. Burial will be in Providence Missionary Baptist Church Cemetery.

*Please make all floral deliveries to Providence Missionary Baptist Church on the day of the services. *

Bro. Jackie Strebeck and Bro. Josh Lang will officiate.

Mr. Brown was a retired truck driver for Southern Pipe and Supply of Meridian. He enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren, especially attending and watching the Atlanta Braves baseball games and Alabama Crimson Tide football games with his grandsons. He enjoyed attending church and being with his Providence church family.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Oliver James and Laura Mae Cunningham Brown and one brother, Reon Brown.

Survivors include his wife of almost 57 years, Barbara Cooley Brown of Chunky; one son, Bruce Brown of Chunky; three grandchildren, Josh Brown of Dallas, TX, Tanner Brown (Laken) of Collinsville, and Chase Brown of Little Rock; two great grandchildren, Conner and Indy; one special granddaughter, Lydia Burns of Collinsville; two brothers, Rufus Brown (Shirley) of Georgia, and Jack Brown (Becky) of Bailey; one sister, Geneva Smith of Meridian and numerous nieces and nephews.

Pallbearers will be Josh Brown, Tanner Brown, Chase Brown, Aaron Cooley, Andrew Cooley, and John Robinson.

Honorary pallbearers will be his two great grandchildren, Conner and Indy.

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

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.

11/11/2025

*Visitation and funeral services times will be published when those services details have been finalized.

Mrs. Iona Constance Leslie was born Friday, June 7, 1929 in Newdehli, India. She passed away Friday, November 7, 2025 in Meridian at the age of 96.

Mrs. Leslie was a longtime resident of Newton, who served in the British Army during the Korean War, where she met her future husband. She was a retired employee of the Newton Company, and a member of St. Anne Catholic Church, where she served as organist. She was also a long-standing member of the Pink Ladies Auxiliary at Newton Regional Hospital and Pioneer Community Hospital.

She was preceded in death by her husband, R. L. Leslie and her parents, Joseph and Violet Deugo.

Survivors include her sons, Rufus Leslie of Picayune, Carl Leslie (Teresa) of Carriere, and John Leslie of Newton; daughter, Connie Myers (Ricky) of Lauderdale; eleven grandchildren; twenty great-grandchildren and two great-great grandchildren.

Mrs. Leslie was one of nine siblings, whose families still reside in England.

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