Newton County Funeral Home

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

11/06/2025

Dave Ronald “Ronnie” Seal passed away, Wednesday, November 05, 2025 at St. Domonic Hospital in Jackson after a lengthy illness.

Funeral services will begin at 11:00 am on Saturday, November 08, 2025 at Newton County Funeral Home South Chapel with Rev. Larry Duncan and Rev. Chris Spence officiating. Burial will follow in the Conehatta Methodist Cemetery under the direction of Newton County Funeral Home.

Visitation will begin at 9:00 am on Saturday and continue until service time at the funeral home.

Ronnie loved people and never met a stranger. His favorite pass times were hunting, fishing, guns, and reloading. He was very precise and careful with all his reloads. He also enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren and teaching them the skills and joys of his hobbies.

Ronnie was, business owner of Seal Pest Control for 41 years.

He was preceded in death by his father, Floyd O. Seal and the paternal grandparents who raised him, Will Ivy and Ruby Seal of Conehatta.

He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Geraldine Miller Seal; his son, Eric (Donna) Seal, and his daughter, Jenny Lyn Seal; his grandchildren, Lake Seal (Ava), Lauryn Weaver, Lacey Weaver, Melin Seal and Max Seal, two sisters, Debbie Tanner and Genie Chadwick, along with many nieces and nephews. He also leaves behind many friends and his cherished dog, Dixie.

Pallbearers will be Larry Blackburn, Sam Thornton, Stuart Tune, David Hensley, Brian Chadwick and Barry Barrett.

Newton County Funeral Home – South, 100 Old Hwy. 15 Loop, Newton served the Seal family.

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

10/28/2025

*Graveside services for Donald Ray Gressett will begin at 2:00 pm on Thursday, October 30, 2025 at Oakland Baptist Church Cemetery, located at, 8577 Hickory-Little Rock Rd., Decatur, MS 39327.

**There will be no visitation.

***All floral offerings need to be delivered to the cemetery.

Donald Ray Gressett, 79 of Decatur, passed away Tuesday, October 28, 2025 at Baptist Anderson Regional Medical Center South Campus in Meridian. He was born Tuesday, October 15, 1946 in Newton.

Favorite past times were reading, especially Westerns, a Louis LaMour reader. He was a lifelong Fox News fan, and a Vietnam veteran. Mr. Gressett was retired from the MS Army National Guard after twenty years of service, at the Decatur unit. He was a Christian by testimony of his faith and a member of Oakland Baptist Church. He loved his family very much, especially his grandchildren, and will be missed by those who knew and loved him.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Nancy Kay Roberts Gressett; father, Clarence Raymond Gressett; mother, Estelle Scoggins Gregory and sister, Betty Jo Kennedy.

Survivors include his son, Raymond Gressett (Carol) of Lumberton; daughter, Samantha Gressett Espey (Brian) of Enterprise; grandchildren, Lee Espey (Savannah), Miranda Loper (Billy) and Leia Espey; great grandchildren, Gabriel Espey, Nadia Espey, Lainey Riley, Eli Riley, Keiden Riley and Atticus Loper; brothers, Danny Gressett (Kathy) of Decatur and Johnny Gressett (Rita) of Meridian and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

Pallbearers will be Randy Griffin, Jason Griffin, Jonathan Fletcher, Corey Gressett, Ryan Gressett, and Tyler Petty.

Honorary pallbearer will be Kenny Measell.

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

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

10/27/2025

Betty Joyce Snowden, 91, of Hickory, passed away Thursday, October 23, 2025, at her residence. She was born on Friday, December 8, 1933, in Basile, Louisiana.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, October 28, 2025, from 9:30 am until 10:30 am at Newton County Funeral Home-North, 9998 Hwy 15 North, Newton, with funeral services immediately following the visitation at the same location. Burial will follow in Mississippi Veterans Memorial Cemetery. Rev. Steven Wade will officiate

She was a loving, generous mother that cared for her children, raising them in The Lord. She was loved by her family, friends and her church family. She was a faithful member for 59 years at Hickory Baptist Church, serving as a Sunday School teacher, working alongside others with Vacation Bible School, and helping with numerous revival meeting meals and church decorations.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 18 years, Norman Snowden; and her parents, Jules and Dorcille Young Bellon; and her nine siblings.

Survivors include her children Keith Guillory, Brenda Garrison and Carol Gardner; her grandchildren, Crystal Jones, Jeremy Pugh and Jonathan Boutwell her great grandchildren, Bailey Boutwell, Mason Garrison, Raylene Boutwell and Madison Boutwell and a host of nieces and nephews

Pallbearers will be Jeremy Pugh, Mason Garrison, Greg Boggan, Sidney Cook, Timothy Strebeck, and Lowery McGee.
Honorary pallbearer will be Davis Bond.

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

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

10/26/2025

Billie Marie Craven, 93, passed away peacefully on October 22, 2025, at The Preserve in Meridian.

Services will be held on Monday, October 27, at 1 pm at Newton United Methodist Church, with burial at Masonic Cemetery in Newton, MS. Visitation begins one hour prior. Rev. John Cash will officiate. Newton County Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

A lifelong resident of Newton, Billie was known for her faith, strength, and generosity. She graduated from Newton High School and married Harley Craven, her partner for 64 years. Together, they built a true homestead—raising cattle, planting trees, and living self-sufficiently long before it was popular. She was "Nana" to her three grandchildren and adored that role.

Billie's home was always open. She hosted church picnics, flew kites with her grandchildren, and made summer visits memorable with TV dinners and stacks of VHS tapes. Her family remembers eating watermelon with salt at her picnic table, the dogs enjoying ice cream from a spoon, her perfectly timed M&M cookies arriving by mail, and her homemade rolls served with Pops’ fresh honey. She was an expert seamstress and delighted in making Halloween costumes for her grandchildren.

Billie was also a devoted member of Newton United Methodist Church, always ready to help and listen. She loved her garden, a good book, and peaceful mornings on the porch. Above all, she cherished her family and the simple joys of life.

Billie was preceded in death by her husband, Harley Craven; parents, Walter and Josie Fore; daughter, June Marie; sons, C.W. Craven and Billy Joe Craven; and sister-in-law, Ina Pearl McEvers.

Survivors include her grandchildren, Elizabeth Mardesen, William Craven, and Wyatt Craven; great-grandchildren, Cullen Mardesen, Meredith Mardesen, Caroline Craven, and Eliza Craven; daughter-in-law, Julie Martin; and many nieces and nephews.

Pallbearers will be David Haggard, Nate Wood, Chubb Brown, Jerry Craven, Will Craven, and Wyatt Craven.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Newton United Methodist Church or a local charity of your choice.

Billie’s legacy is one of love, faith, and lasting impact on all who knew her.

10/21/2025

Bruce Allen Cater, 70 of Decatur, Mississippi passed away Sunday October 19, 2025 at the MS Baptist Medical Center in Jackson, Mississippi. He was born Friday July 8, 1955 in Union, Mississippi.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, October 21, 2025 from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at Newton County Funeral Home-North, and on Wednesday, October 22, 2025 from 11:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. at Clarke-Venable Baptist Church in Decatur, Mississippi. Funeral services will be held on Wednesday October 22, 2025 at 1:00 p.m. at the church. Burial will follow in Decatur Cemetery. Rev. Ben Harper, Rev. Junior Davis, and Rev. Phil Smith will officiate. Newton County Funeral Home-North is in charge of arrangements.

Mr. Cater was preceded in death by his father, James L. Cater; mother, Annie Kate Eshee Cater and brother, Jimmy Cater.

Survivors include his wife of 50 years, Glenda McElhenney Cater of Decatur, MS; sons, Neil Cater of Decatur, MS and Nathan Cater (Emily) of Newton, MS; daughter Nicole Ferguson (Richard) of Pelehatchie, MS; sister, Jan Cater McNeill of Decatur MS; grandchildren, Sam Cater, Nolan Cater, Maddex Ferguson, Hallie Ezell, Addilyn Kate Tucker, Kyleigh Cater, Mack Henry Ferguson, Annie James Cater, Sloan Tucker, and Madilyn Cater; nephews, Jeff Cater of Union, Todd Reeves (Brandi) of Decatur, and Philip Smith of Meridian; nieces, Crystal Fadely (Chris) of Clarksville, TN, and Shana Boatner of Decatur; sister in law, Rhonda Smith (Mike) of Union.

Pallbearers are Johnny Baucum, Bobby Carey, Brent Chamblee, Randy Wall, Joe Way, and Marquez Williams.

Honorary Pallbearers will be Jackie Rainer, Ralph Thomas, and Randy Weaver.

Special music will be provided by Billy Williams.

Mr. Cater, a former Decatur Mayor and business owner, was a lifelong resident of Decatur, MS. He graduated from Decatur High School in 1973, and received an AA degree in Business Administration from East Central Junior College in 1975. Mr. Cater was a Christian by faith. He was a lifelong member of Clarke-Venable Baptist Church in Decatur where he served on various committees and as a deacon. He was a dedicated and faithful husband to his wife Glenda for over 50 years. Together they raised three children, instilling Christian faith and a strong work ethic.

Early on Bruce developed an interest in mechanics and began working with a local Ford tractor dealership, before opening his own service station selling gasoline and performing vehicle repair. Later, he opened a business, “Bruce’s Auto Center” before becoming service manager at the GM dealership in Newton.

He began his career in the freight trucking business working part-time with Roadway Express in Meridian on the evening shift. Subsequently, he accepted a position as an auto mechanics instructor at ECJC.

He later returned to the freight industry working with ABF Freight System as a driver/salesman in Meridian where he worked for 16 years, before returning to Roadway and retiring in 2005 with 25 full time years as a member of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters.

Mr. Cater had multiple business ventures. In 1989, he formed a storage trailer rental company and constructed a new freight terminal which he leased to other companies. Later, he owned a long-haul trucking company and a shipping pallet business. In 1997, he and his two sons started a timber company and after his retirement, an automobile dealership in Decatur.

Mr. Cater served as mayor of Decatur from 2005-2009. He also served as a board member of North Decatur Water Association. He worked at Central Mississippi Residential Center in Newton, as well as in timber and dirt business with his sons until his semi-retirement from his individual businesses, while still leasing residential properties.

He was a selfless, hardworking, intelligent family and business man. He never met a stranger, and he always had a smile and a comment for everyone. He loved spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren. He enjoyed traveling all over the United States, as well as Costa Rica and Mexico. He will be greatly missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing him.

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

10/20/2025

Services celebrating the life of Jonathan Mark Thorne will begin at 10:30 am on Friday, October 24, 2025, at Newton County Funeral Home South Chapel with Rev. William Savell and Rev. Charles Moore officiating. Burial will follow in the Pleasant Ridge Missionary Baptist Church Cemetery under the direction of Newton County Funeral Home.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, October 23, 2025 from 5:30 pm until 7:30 pm at Newton County Funeral Home - South and on Friday one hour prior to the services at the funeral home.

Jonathan was born October 15, 1979, in Houston, Texas. He was a 1998 graduate of Newton County High School and furthered his education at East Central Community College. Jonathan served on the board, and served as President and Vice President of the Newton Theater Company, and also, most currently Youth Director. Talented in the arts, he served the theater company, in performing casts, and used his artistic ability in making props and set pieces. Jonathan was currently employed at Mathis Transportation Services in Meridian. He passed away October 20, 2025 at his home at the age of 46.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Brenda Robinson Thorne; paternal grandparents, Hancel and Roberta Thorne, maternal grandparents, Tom and Jeanette Robinson and his aunt, Rhonda Robinson Williams.

Survivors include his father, Gary Thorne of Hickory; his brother, David Thorne of Hickory; sister-in-law, Danae Thorne and niece, Katelynn Thorne, both of Picayune; uncles, Ronald Thorne of Euless, TX and Bob Williams of Newton; cousins, Michelle Newell (Mark Cornish)and Jason Williams (Seanna) both of Newton; Anna Maria Thorne of Euless, TX; Bralynn Newell, Molly Beth Williams, Mary Preston Williams and Mattie Williams, all of Newton and his canine companions, Bandit and Franklin; also, he leave behind many friends.

Pallbearers will be Jason Williams, Cody Maske, William Savell, C**t Cleveland, Marty Morgan, and Marshall Van Zjll.

Honorary pallbearers will be Ronald Thorne, Bob Williams and Mark Cornish.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Newton Theater Company, P.O. Box 956, Newton, MS 39345.

Newton County Funeral Home, South Chapel, 100 Old Hwy. 15 Loop, Newton, served the Thorne family.

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