Baldwin-Lee Funeral Home

11/22/2025

Yancy Brian Burns, devoted husband, loving father, dedicated attorney, and proud veteran, passed away on November 21, 2025. He was a man whose life was defined by service—to his country, to his community, and most of all, to his family.

Born with a sharp mind and a steadfast sense of duty, Yancy built a respected career as an attorney, known for his integrity, compassion, and unwavering commitment to justice. His calm presence and thoughtful counsel earned the trust of colleagues and clients alike.

Yancy, a native of Louisville, Mississippi, graduated from Winston Academy in 1991. Yancy received his bachelor’s degree in Political Science from the University of Mississippi in 1995, where he was the Distinguished Military Graduate in Army ROTC. He went on to earn his Juris Doctor from the University of Mississippi School of Law in 1998, where he served as a member of the Moot Court Board. Yancy was licensed to practice law in all state and federal courts in Mississippi, ultimately founding his own firm, Burns & Associates, PA in Jackson, Mississippi, in 2007.

Yancy also answered a higher call to serve his nation in the Mississippi Army National Guard after graduating as the Distinguished Military Graduate at Ole Miss Army ROTC. With honor and courage, he deployed to Najaf, Iraq with 198th Armor Battalion out of Amory, Mississippi from July 2004 to January 2006. Nicknamed “Easy” by his battle buddies for his uncanny ability to be “easy like Sunday morning”, in the most stressful of situations, Yancy served as the logistics support officer for the battalion and used his expertise as an attorney to rebuild the local provincial government. His experience in Iraq shaped his deep appreciation for freedom, sacrifice, and the value of standing up for others—and earned him lifelong friends.

At the center of Yancy’s world was his family. He is survived by his beloved wife, Shanda, and three sons—Morgan, Harper, and Evan—who were the pride and joy of his life. He poured his heart into fatherhood, always encouraging his boys to be brave, kind, and true to themselves.

Yancy will be remembered for his gentle humor, quiet strength, and the way he made others feel seen and valued. His legacy lives on in the countless lives he touched through his work, his service, and his love.

Yancy is survived by his loving wife, Shanda, his three sons, Morgan, Harper, and Evan, his mother, Susan Burns, and his brother Daniel (Misty) Burns; and a host of family and friends. Yancy is preceded in death by his father, Danny Burns. Family and friends are invited to gather in celebration of Yancy’s life on Tuesday, November 25, 2025 at Galloway United Methodist Church in Jackson, Mississippi. Visitation will be held from 11am to 1pm and the memorial service will begin at 1pm. A private graveside service will follow.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Children’s of Mississippi (UMMC) in Yancy’s memory.

He will be profoundly missed and forever cherished.

Fond memories and condolences may be shared with the family by visiting baldwinleepearl.com.

11/20/2025

Planning things out can be a source of relief for many, and though planning end-of-life details may seem sad, it doesn't have to be. And those who do it usually feel a burden lifted once arrangements—and funds—are in place.

Burial insurance for parents is a good idea—but there's something better. A prepaid funeral plan ensures you can pay for your parents' funeral at the time it is needed and protects against inflation.

11/18/2025

Joy Lee Rowland, 84, died Saturday, November 15, 2025, at Indywood Glen Personal Care in Greenwood.

Graveside services will be held at 2:00pm, Thursday, November 20, 2025, at Jessamine Cemetery in Ridgeland.

Joy was born August 9, 1941, in Grubbs, Arkansas, a daughter of the late Carroll D. Willbanks and Alta Rudd Willbanks. Joy learned from an early age the value and dignity of a job well done, and these principles served her well throughout her life. She worked for many years with Frito Lay and then Sears, from which she retired. She and her late husband, Hugh, owned and operated Flora Farm and Auto Parts. Following his passing she continued operating the business and upon her marriage to her husband, Randy, renamed it J and R Auto Parts. In her free time she enjoyed working in her vegetable garden.

In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by husband, Hugh David Rowland; son, Carl Baker; brothers, Cletus and Troy Willbanks; and sisters, Wanda Brooks, and Virginia Newton.

She is survived by her husband, Randy May; step-sons, Abbie May (Tammi), and Chris May (Amber); step-grandchildren, Johnathan, Shawn, Brayden, and William May; and sister, Eleta Grimmett, her husband Jerry, and children, Sharon and Lester.

Fond memories and condolences may be shared by visiting baldwinleepearl.com.

11/18/2025

As times change, trends in funerals and cremations shift, too. Traditional and religious services are still a mainstay, but thanks to changing priorities and the influence of a global pandemic, funerals and cremations have evolved in recent years.

Like everything else, funerals change every year. From alternatives to cremation and burials to celebrations of life, here are the top trends for 2025.

11/15/2025

Wanda Jean “Jeannie” Logan, 77, of Pearl, ran into the arms of Jesus on the morning of November 14th, 2025, after a valiant battle with Alzheimer’s Disease.

A loving wife, mother, and grandmother, Jeannie left her family and friends with a precious legacy and beautiful example of a Christ centered life. Jeannie’s life was one of obedience to her Heavenly Father, selflessness, humility & service to others.

Jeannie was born on May 1st, 1948, in Bruce, Mississippi, to Lindy & Clarice Spradling. Jeannie was a graduate of Bruce High School and also attended Mississippi University for Women. She left the “W” early to elope with the love of her life, Billy Joe Logan, Jr. They moved to Jackson and then to Pearl, where they remained for their entire married life.

Mrs. Logan worked in education for over 30 years. She served both as a Kindergarten teacher and as the Kindergarten Director at McLaurin Heights Baptist Church and then worked at Pearl Lower Elementary where she worked as a Teacher’s Assistant alongside Mrs. Vesta Renfroe and Mrs. Ginni Mills.

Jeannie was a faithful member of McLaurin Heights Baptist Church for over 50 years. She served in the library, on the Puppet Ministry, and was a hostess for many wedding and baby showers. She also coordinated a monthly prayer calendar for her Joy Sunday School Class. She was a prayer warrior and often spent hours studying God’s word and praying for others.

Her passing is mourned by her two girls, Angela Jean Logan, and Emily Logan Martin; her favorite son in law, Jason Martin and her beloved granddaughter, Allie Dee Martin. Jeannie also leaves behind her sister, Gayle Beard, and her brother, Charlie Spradling (Jan); nieces, Sarah Beard and Charlie Ann Spradling; nephews, Caleb Beard and Adam Spradling; her adopted daughter and granddaughter, Julie Sylvester Sanders and Laurel Sanders; her Aunt Thelma Parker; and her many cousins and their families.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 40 years, Billy Joe Logan, Jr. and her parents, Lindy and Clarice Spradling.

Jeannie was a woman of unparalleled kindness. Even in the midst of fighting Alzheimer’s Disease, she remained so very kind and kept her sweet, gentle spirit.

The family would like to thank Dr. Kathy Gregg at the UMMC Mind Center for the care she provided. We would also like to thank Mom’s caretakers at The Blake of Flowood Memory Care, Gentiva Hospice, and her faithful friend and visitor, Mrs. Sue Nelson.

Should friends desire and in lieu of flowers, they may make memorials to Blaire E. Batson Children’s Hospital Craniofacial Clinic, the Alzheimer’s Association or McLaurin Heights Baptist Church.

The family will receive friends at McLaurin Heights Baptist Church in Pearl, Mississippi, on Sunday, November 16th from 1-3pm. A Celebration of Life Service will begin at 3pm. There will also be a visitation on Monday, November 17th at Parker Memorial Funeral Home in Bruce, Mississippi at 11am with Graveside at Noon.

Pallbearers will be Doug Ferguson, Joe Ferguson, Jason Martin, Joel Mathewson, John McHenry, and Charlie Spradling. Honorary Pallbearers will be Richard Bailey, Caleb Beard and John Nelson.

11/13/2025

Though the government offers excellent burial benefits when a veteran is buried in a state or national veterans cemetery, there's often limited financial assistance for funeral or cremation services themselves. That's why many veterans service organizations partner with funeral homes to help bridge funding gaps and complement government burial benefits.

Veterans may qualify for VA burial benefits. Read some of the frequently asked questions about veteran burials, benefits and funeral information.

11/13/2025

Eugene F. Williams, 85, of Pearl, MS formerly of Jasper, AL entered the gates of heaven on November 12, 2025.

Born on August 14, 1940, in Jasper, AL to the late Mr. Earl Williams and Mrs. Ester Ashby Williams. Mr. Williams was a former worker at Marsh and Durby. In 1962, he married the love of his life Ms. Bessie Lee Stelman and gained a stepson. Blessed to this union were two daughters. They moved to Pearl where he worked at Borden Milk Company once the plant closed, he moved to Blue Cross Blue Shield and did security until Bessie fell ill and he retired to take care of her. At the passing of Bessie in 2010, he moved back to Jasper to be closer to Bessie. Then around 2017 he moved back to Pearl to be with his daughter, Cynthia.

He was an outside guy and loved to plant flowers, cut grass, and if that one leaf fell it was time to blow it away. He wanted to help everyone with their yard a few years back you would catch him riding that mower thru the neighborhood to cut grass.

Eugene is preceded in death by his wife and parents and stepson Jimmy(Gay).

If pepaw was here today he would tell you he had some pride and joys the grands and greats grandkids.

Those left to cherish his memory are his daughters, Cynthia Wright (Johnny), and Valinda ; grandchildren, Christy Hopton (Justin), Daniel (Amy), Billy (Stephanie), Jamie (Amanda), Jacob (Dana), Melissa Cummins (David), and Melinda Williams (Ronnie); great-grandchildren, Jayson Hopton, Nashtian Hopton, Christian Hopton, Billy Jr Wright, Melinda Wright, Racheal McMillian, Devin Wright, Christara Hurd, Kristafer Hurd, Nathan Mitchell, Gregory Wright, Maci Hillman, Kayden Ellis , Bentlee Wright, Graysen Wright , Blakeleigh Wright, Johnny Robert, Deanna Hodges, Will Cummins (Heather), Melissa Mitchell (Jimmy), Michaela Stringer (David) and Eli Williams. He also leaves behind 6 great-great grandchildren.

The family will receive friends on Thursday, November 13, 2025, from 5:00pm-8:00pm at Baldwin-Lee Funeral Home in Pearl, Mississippi. A graveside service will be held Saturday, November 15, 2025, at Mt. Zion Baptist Church Cemetery in Jasper, Alabama at 1:00pm.

11/12/2025

In Loving Memory of Bobbie Ann Jackson
September 12, 1948 – November 9, 2025

Bobbie Ann Jackson passed away on November 9, 2025 at Baptist Hospital. She was born on September 12, 1948, in Jackson, Mississippi, and raised in Pearl, Mississippi. A proud graduate of Jim Hill High School, Bobbie later continued her education in Illinois. Throughout her career, she held various positions in accounting and hospital administration, sharing her skills and dedication with workplaces across Illinois, Atlanta, and the Jackson area.

A woman of faith, Bobbie attended St. Jude Catholic Church in Pearl, Mississippi, where she worshiped until her health no longer allowed her to attend.

In her free time, Bobbie found pleasure in curling up with a good book, working on puzzles and crosswords, and baking her famous key lime pies. Even through life’s challenges, she remained strong, thoughtful, and giving, always finding ways to show love in her own special way.

She will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who knew her.

Fond memories and condolences may be shared with the Jackson family by visiting baldwinleepearl.com.

11/11/2025

11/09/2025

Kathy Whitehead, 70, of Pearl, passed away Saturday, November 8, 2025.

Visitation will be held from 9:00am until 11:00am, Wednesday, November 12, 2025, at Baldwin-Lee Funeral Home in Pearl. Funeral services will follow at 11:00am in the funeral home chapel with interment in Crestview Memorial Gardens, Brandon.

Kathy was born in Warren County and spent much of her early years in Pearl where she graduated from high school in 1972. Kathy loved people and was very personable, a trait that served her well during her 16 year career as office manager for Willmut Gas Company. Kathy also cared deeply for animals and was very fond of her two special dogs, Roscoe and Fred. In her free time she enjoyed canning the vegetables her husband grew in their garden, camping, and fishing.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Rev. Billy Ray Pearson and Betty Moore Pearson; and sister-in-law, Rosemary Pearson.

She is survived by her beloved husband of 41 years, Tommy Whitehead; step-son, Matthew Whitehead; and brothers, Billy Wayne Pearson, and Glenn Pearson.

Memories and condolences may be shared with her family by visiting baldwinleepearl.com.

11/09/2025

Gladys Hall Brock, 89, of Braxton, passed away on November 4, 2025, while surrounded by her family at home.

All services to honor Gladys will be held at Lakewood Funeral Home in Jackson on Tuesday, November 11, 2025. Visitation will be from 12:30pm until 2:00pm, followed by funeral services at 2:00pm in the chapel at Lakewood. Interment will be private.

Gladys was born and raised in Clinton, MS. She received her Registered Nursing licensure degree from the Gilfoy School of Nursing in Jackson, MS. Gladys dedicated 36 years of her life to her passion of nursing and provided care, comfort and compassion to numerous people in need. She retired as a critical care nurse while living in Alexandria, VA.

Upon her retirement, Gladys returned home to Mississippi. There she found her home near Braxton. She made many strong friendships within the church and community and was very active in the Braxton community. She was a member and pianist for the United Methodist Church of Braxton. She was also active in the First Baptist Church of Braxton and served as their pianist as well. Gladys was active for over 60 years in the Order of the Eastern Star.

Gladys was a loving person, with a strong personality and spoke plainly from what was on her mind. While she could be stern and business-like at times, Gladys had a great sense of humor. Whether corny jokes with her grandchildren, fun costumes or straight-faced humorous comments with friends, she thoroughly enjoyed the fun.

She is preceded in death by her first husband, Lonnie Malcom Gerrald; son, Ray Malcolm Gerrald; second husband, Milford Louis Brock; her adored mother ad father, Alleen and Ira Hall; sister, Martha Junot; and brothers, Gerald Eugene Hall, and Charles "Buddy" Hall. Gladys is survived by daughter, Fay Alleen Levison; grandchildren, Auxtin Levison, Malcolm Gray Levison, and Ira-Rain Alleen Levison; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Gladys was a devout follower of Christ Jesus and dedicated her entire life to love and service to and for Father God. She will be dearly missed by all of us. Her family and friends do take comfort knowing that she is now at peace, resting in the arms of her first love, God!

Memorials can be sent to the Baptist or United Methodist churches of Braxton, or to the Methodist Children's Home.

Fond memories and condolences may be shared with her family by visiting baldwinleepearl.com.

11/08/2025

Gladys Hall Brock, 89, of Braxton, passed away on November 4, 2025, while surrounded by her family at home.

All services to honor Gladys will be held at Lakewood Funeral Home in Jackson on Tuesday, November 11, 2025. Visitation will be from 12:30pm until 2:00pm, followed by funeral services at 2:00pm in the chapel at Lakewood. Interment will be private.

Fond memories and condolences may be shared with her family by visiting baldwinleepearl.com.