Fisher-Riles Funeral Home & Crematory

Fisher-Riles Funeral Home & Crematory Riles Funeral Home was created with two principles in mind; keep the prices as low as possible and create a home-like facility.

We have combined affordability with the finest of facilities so any family can have the best service possible.

Nancy Virginia Andrews Mitchell died peacefully in her Oxford home on May 20, 2026, following outpatient surgery earlier...
05/23/2026

Nancy Virginia Andrews Mitchell died peacefully in her Oxford home on May 20, 2026, following outpatient surgery earlier in the day. She was 71.

Mrs. Mitchell, a native of Vicksburg, was the daughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. H. Dean Andrews Sr. She graduated from South Vicksburg High School and Mississippi State University and taught art in the Vicksburg public schools for 30 years, retiring in 2011 from Warren Central High School. In education, she was a National Board Certified Master Teacher, STAR teacher and Mississippi Secondary Art Educator of the Year. She enjoyed keeping up with students as they enjoyed successful careers.

After retiring and moving to Oxford, she worked to develop her own skills, receiving many gallery prizes, commissions and recognitions. She enjoyed experimenting with colors, textures and techniques in many mediums, including pen and ink, watercolor, silk fusion, ceramics, acrylic, oil and needlework. Her typical subjects were animals and flowers because she said, she wanted to capture and share the joy she saw.

Mrs. Mitchell was a member of the Oxford Art Guild and the Mississippi Art Colony and a lifelong member of the Vicksburg Art Association. She also enjoyed travel, especially to Italy and other places in Europe to study and appreciate the genius of masters.

She is survived by her spouse of 52 years, Charles D. Mitchell of Oxford; two daughters, Virginia Ann Hisey of Ocala, Fla., and Bess Andrews Averett (Jeff) of Vicksburg; two grandsons, Mitchell Alexander Campbell of Ocala and John Walker Campbell of the United States Air Force; three granddaughters, Addison Evelyn, Annslee Virginia and Emily Harper Averett, all of Vicksburg; one sister, Patsy Andrews Martin of Arlington, Texas; and two brothers, H. Dean Andrews Jr. (Kelly) and Ronald Lee Andrews (Sharon), both of Vicksburg.

A service will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, May 30, at First Presbyterian Church, where she and Mr. Mitchell were married in 1974, 1501 Cherry St. in Vicksburg. Visitation will be at 9:30 a.m. in the church’s Ward Hall until the hour of service.

Memorials may be made to the Mississippi Art Colony Scholarship Fund, 400 South 34th Ave., Hattiesburg, MS 39402, or by performing, as she often did, a random act of kindness.

Edward Julius "Buddy" Irby, Jr. passed away on May 20, 2026. He was 72. Born October 13, 1953 to Susie Hullum Irby and E...
05/21/2026

Edward Julius "Buddy" Irby, Jr. passed away on May 20, 2026. He was 72. Born October 13, 1953 to Susie Hullum Irby and Edward J. Irby, Sr., Buddy spent most of his life in Vicksburg, graduating from Warren Central High School and earning a B.S. in Industrial Management from the University of Southern Mississippi. He married Carlleen Millis, also from Vicksburg, in 1974 and had 2 children. Professionally, Buddy spent nearly 40 years in the forest products industry, specifically hardwood lumber production and sales, both domestically and internationally. He was a member of National Hardwood Lumber Association, Hardwood Manufacturers’ Association, Lumbermen’s Club of Memphis and Southwestern Hardwood Manufacturers Club. He was an active member and former officer of Tennessee Bar Hunting Club.

Buddy is preceded in death by his father, E.J. Irby, Sr.; his mother, Susie Hullum Irby; his sister, Susan Faye Irby; and his wife, Carlleen Millis Irby.

He leaves behind one daughter Erin Jill McCullar; one son Nathan Edward Irby; one grandson, Ethan Lynn McCullar.

Services will be held at Fisher-Riles Funeral Home, 5000 Indiana Avenue in Vicksburg on Friday, May 22 at 10 AM. Visitation will be held at 9 AM until the hour of service. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Antioch Cemetery: 8369 Campbell Sawmp Rd., Vicksburg, MS 39180

Lucille Porter Wooley, age 83, passed away peacefully at her home in Vicksburg, Mississippi, on May 17, 2026.Born on May...
05/18/2026

Lucille Porter Wooley, age 83, passed away peacefully at her home in Vicksburg, Mississippi, on May 17, 2026.

Born on May 29, 1943, in Valley Park MS, Lucille was raised in the Mississippi Delta as the youngest of six children. From an early age, she carried a strong spirit, determination, and love for life that would stay with her throughout the years.

As a young girl, Lucille enjoyed playing basketball and was known for her competitive spirit and energy. Over the years, she became an accomplished bowler, and later earned the distinction of becoming a first-degree black belt in karate — a reflection of both her discipline and inner strength.

Lucille was a lifelong Christian whose faith guided the way she treated others — with kindness, generosity, compassion, and grace. She was also a devoted member of Highland Baptist Church for more than 40 years.

Lucille was a loving wife to Lonnie Thomas Wooley and a devoted mother to Tommy Wooley and Cindy Wooley Bryan. She was also a proud grandmother to Adam Bryan and Raymond Wooley, whom she loved dearly.

Those who knew Lucile will remember her as a strong but gentle woman with a caring heart and a welcoming spirit. She had a way of making people feel loved, valued, and at home in her presence. Her warmth, generosity, and quiet strength touched countless lives and left lasting memories for family, friends, neighbors, and church family alike.

She is survived by her husband, Lonnie Thomas Wooley; her children, Tommy Wooley (Debbie Wooley) and Cindy Wooley Bryan; her grandchildren, Adam Bryan (Peyton Bryan) and Raymond Wooley; her sister, Sue Embry (Ray Embry); her brother, MJ (Brother) Porter Jr. (Kathy Porter); and many extended family members and dear friends who will forever cherish her memory.

Though her family grieves her passing deeply, they find peace and comfort in knowing she is now resting in the presence of her Savior.

Visitation will be held Thursday, May 21, 2026, from 4:00 PM until 6:00 PM at Highland Baptist Church.

Daniel Kirkwood Fordice, III departed this life on May 12, 2026, at the age of 66.Dan was born in Baton Rouge, Louisiana...
05/15/2026

Daniel Kirkwood Fordice, III departed this life on May 12, 2026, at the age of 66.

Dan was born in Baton Rouge, Louisiana on April 20, 1960, to his parents Daniel Kirkwood Fordice, Jr. and Patricia Louise Owens. A 1978 graduate of St. Aloysius High School, and a graduate of Mississippi State University with a degree in Construction Engineering Technology, Dan was commissioned as a US Army Second Lieutenant on active duty and later joined the Mississippi Army National Guard, serving for a total of 13 years. He spent half of his military career as an Engineer and the other half serving in the 2nd 20th Special Forces Unit having attained the rank of Captain.

In 2023, Dan retired as Vice President of his family’s fourth generation Fordice Construction Co. A natural leader, Dan served as the only second-generation National President in the history of the Associated General Contractors of America from 2022-2023, which speaks to how much he valued continuing family legacy and building community. He inspired a sense of adventure and fidelity in his family and chosen family, bringing everyone together anywhere from skiing the slopes to diving the depths of the ocean, completing every experience by inviting everyone to his table, cooking a meal, and leading all in prayer.

On the National Board of Directors of the Commemorative Air Force, he shared his love of history, planes, and honoring veterans with an international community. He was honored to fly the lead, original C-47 bomber “That’s All Brother” for the transatlantic route on the 75th anniversary of D-Day. He was an active pilot with over 5,000 hours, primarily flying WWII and older aircraft. Beyond the joy he took in flight, his love for aviation was rooted in a deep reverence and love for honoring those who flew these planes to protect our greatest freedoms. Out of this mission, Dan became the founder of two nonprofit foundations, Southern Heritage Air Foundation and Warrior Bonfire Program. A gifted storyteller, many favorite tales came out of the days he spent encouraging, serving, and laughing with the extended family he formed through these organizations. Known for his love of leading prayer in community, Dan was a faithful and active member of St. Paul Catholic Church, having served on the Parish Council and as a member of the Knights of Columbus.

Dan is preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his wife, Ann Claire Roesch Fordice and his three children, Nathan Fordice (Sara) of St. Francisville, LA; Alaina Fordice of Edgewater, MD; and Erin Fordice of Springdale, AR; his two grandchildren, Mary Claire Barton and John Fisher Barton; his sister, Angie Jordan (Bob); his brothers, Hunter Fordice (Sallie), and Dr. Jim Fordice (Sarina) and many beloved nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be Monday, May 18th, from 4:00 pm – 7:00 pm at Fisher-Riles Funeral Home, 5000 Indiana Avenue, with a Rosary at 7:00 pm. A Mass of the Resurrection will be celebrated Tuesday, May 19th, at 10:30 am. at St. Paul Catholic Church with Fr. Rusty Vincent officiating. Burial will follow at Cedar Hill Cemetery under the direction of Fisher-Riles Funeral Home.

Pallbearers will be Tim Day, Bill Fulcher, Paul Banchetti, Todd Roberts, Stephen Gambrell, Mike Foss, Allen Brewer, and Duke DeLuca. Honorary pallbearers are Jimmy Fordham, Steve Gustafson, Rickey Palermo, Mike Ginter, Larry Lumpkin, Jeff Cornell, Don Neiters, Tommy Lofton, Ben Cook, Jeff Shoaf, Mike Mayeaux, Bruce Odom, Mike Mekus, and Michael Reidy.

The family is deeply grateful for any donations, especially to the Warrior Bonfire Program and the Southern Heritage Air Foundation Veteran Support Program.

"Some men go out quietly; others go out to the sound of a Merlin."

Elizabeth “Beth” Pittman Hall of Vicksburg passed away peacefully on May 6, 2026, at the age of 77.Born on February 25, ...
05/11/2026

Elizabeth “Beth” Pittman Hall of Vicksburg passed away peacefully on May 6, 2026, at the age of 77.

Born on February 25, 1949, to Charles Pittman, Sr. and Melba Sharp Pittman, Beth was raised in Jackson,MS. She graduated from Forest Hill High School and later attended Draughon College.

Beth devoted many years of her career to Copeland, Cook, Taylor & Bush Law Firm, where she served as a senior business manager. Known for her dedication, integrity, and gentle spirit, she was a valued employee and was honored with a longevity award in recognition of her faithful service and lasting impact on those she worked alongside.

While Beth was accomplished professionally, her greatest joy in life was her family. She was deeply devoted to her son, Alexander James Sampley, whom she lovingly considered her greatest accomplishment. In March of 1994, she married the love of her life, Errol Keith Hall, and together they built a life rooted in faith, love, and family.

Beth was a faithful member of Highland Baptist Church, where she cherished her ladies’ Sunday School class and the friendships she found there. She loved spending time with family, sharing laughter and stories during visits, and exploring beautiful garden grove sites that brought her peace and happiness.

She is survived by her beloved husband, Errol Keith Hall; her son, Alexander James Sampley and wife Ashley Sampley; her brother, Charlie Pittman and wife Pam Pittman; her stepdaughter, Tara Hall Usey and husband Darby James Usey; grandchildren Tripp, Torrie and Lexie Usey; her stepson, Clinton Keith Hall; and numerous nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends who will forever cherish her memory.

She was preceded in death by her father, Charles Pittman, Sr.; her mother, Melba Sharp Pittman; and her sister, Jean Pittman.

A funeral service honoring Beth’s life will be held at 11 AM on Thursday, May 14, 2026, at Fisher-Riles Funeral Home, 5000 Indiana Ave. Visitation will be from 10 AM until the hour of service. Burial services will follow at the family gravesite behind Gatesville Baptist Church in Crystal Springs.

Beth’s life was a beautiful reflection of love, faith, devotion, and grace. Though she will be deeply missed, the memories she created and the love she shared will continue to live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.

Vincent James Corulla, Sr., age 83, passed away at his home in Vicksburg, Mississippi, on May 6, 2026. He was born in Ne...
05/09/2026

Vincent James Corulla, Sr., age 83, passed away at his home in Vicksburg, Mississippi, on May 6, 2026. He was born in New York, New York on April 6, 1943, He lived in Louisiana most of his adult life and moved to Vicksburg, Mississippi where he met and married Pam Pownall.

He had been an avid runner and golfer and later years enjoyed playing his guitars. After retirement, he and his wife, Pam, entertained many in Vicksburg with their karaoke business. He was a member of the Elks Lodge. He and Pam loved taking bags of goodies to the Veterans home in Jackson.

Jim was a member of St. Michael Catholic Church in Vicksburg. He was preceded in death by his mother, Elizabeth See; wife, Pam; son, William James Corulla; his brothers, Carl Miller, Jr., Ronnie Miller, Joey Miller, Jerry Miller and sister Margaret Matthews.

He is survived by his son Vince Corulla (Mollie) of Madison MS., daughter Tori Kivett (Robbie) of Tallulah, LA., step-daughter Lauren Meier (Scott) of Collierville, TN, and step-son Ron Pownall, Jr. (Jennifer) of Vicksburg MS, grandchildren Hunter Sullivan, Evelyn Kivett, Chandler Meier, Garrett Meier, Cooper Meier, Hope Pownall and Holt Pownall, Brother in law Billy Foster (Peggy).

Visitation is on Monday, May 11, 2026, at Fisher-Riles Funeral Home, 5000 Indiana Ave. in Vicksburg, MS. from 9 AM to 10:00 AM. The funeral Mass will follow at St. Michael Catholic Church at 10:30 AM with interment at Green Lawn Gardens Cemetery.

He will be laid to rest in Vicksburg beside his beloved wife, Pam. Pallbearers will be Vince Corulla, Ron Pownall, Gary Cheshic, Holt Pownall, Robbie Kivett, Stuart Thomas, and Scott Meier.

In lieu of flowers the family is politely requesting that donations be made to the Vicksburg-Warren Humane Society.

Helene Renee “Nee Nee” (Hogue) Crimm, resident of Vicksburg, MS, passed away peacefully at UMMC and went home to her Hea...
05/08/2026

Helene Renee “Nee Nee” (Hogue) Crimm, resident of Vicksburg, MS, passed away peacefully at UMMC and went home to her Heavenly Father, on May 7th, 2026 at the age of 69.

Renee was the beloved daughter of Herbert Roy and Anna Ruth Hogue.

Renee served her community throughout her nearly 40 year career as a registered nurse at various River Region/Merit Health locations in Vicksburg. She served in many capacities from the ICU to case management, home health and worked on the geriatric unit as well but her favorite was in adolescent behavioral health, which was where she thought she did the most good.

She used her God given talents to create things for others like jewelry, pottery and paintings.

She was a devoted christian, attending church services and working in the Temple of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.

She is preceded in death by her parents Herbert Roy and Anna Ruth Hogue, brother William Hogue, first husband Gary Michael Jordan Sr. and second husband Jackie Lee Crimm.

Survivors include her son Johnathan Daniel Jordan (Jamie M.), her bonus children, Gary Michael Jordan, II (Jamie L.), Shannon Jordan, RaLee Stevens (Danny) and Annelisa McArthur; 15 grandchildren; and 13 great grandchildren with another on the way.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, May 12th, 9:30-10:30 am at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, 6300 E. Indiana Ave., Vicksburg, MS. Services will begin at 10:30 a.m. Interment will follow at Cedar Hill Cemetery.

JOHN WILLIAM PREWITT, JR John William Prewitt, Jr., passed away peacefully on May 4, 2026, at the Mississippi VeteranHom...
05/07/2026

JOHN WILLIAM PREWITT, JR

John William Prewitt, Jr., passed away peacefully on May 4, 2026, at the Mississippi Veteran
Home in Oxford, with family by his side. John was born on September 26, 1948, in Vicksburg, Mississippi. He attended First Baptist Church and was a man of strong faith. He proudly served his country as a radio operator in the
United States Navy for four and a half years. After his military service, John graduated from the University of Mississippi. He made his home in Vicksburg, where he owned and operated an Allstate Insurance Agency for more than twenty years. Through his work, he built lasting relationships and was known for his dedication to
serving his community. John was preceded in death by his parents, John W. Prewitt, Sr. and Betty Marsalis Prewitt. He is survived by his brother, Mark W. Prewitt (Angela); his sisters, Betty Penley (Buck) and Saralie
Johnson (Ricky); and many nieces and nephews. Graveside services will be held on Tuesday, May 12, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. at Greenlawn Gardens
Cemetery, with the Reverand Ashton Thompson, officiating. Memorials may be made to First Baptist Church of Vicksburg, Mississippi, and to the
Alzheimer's Association, Mississippi Chapter, 207 W. Jackson Street, Suite F, Ridgeland, MS
39157. John will be remembered for his steady presence, his sense of duty, and the care he showed to those around him. He valued his family deeply and stayed closely connected to them throughout
his life. He will be missed and fondly remembered by all who knew him.

David Earl Willis, 74, of Vicksburg MS, passed away on May 4th, 2026. He was a devoted Father and Grandfather and will b...
05/06/2026

David Earl Willis, 74, of Vicksburg MS, passed away on May 4th, 2026. He was a devoted Father and Grandfather and will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.
Born on October 12th, 1951, in Vicksburg MS, David was the son of James and Beverly Willis. He grew up in Anderson SC and began his career in the cotton mills there where he learned the value of a hard work ethic. He eventually followed the footsteps of his father into the printing business and after returning to Vicksburg he became a young manager at Southern Printing in 1977 and continued his career with Speediprint until his retirement in 2009.
He is survived by; his children, Krista Willis Hallberg and Brad Willis; his grandchildren, Brenna Hallberg Martin, (Justin) David Wesley Hallberg (Taylor) and Skyla Rose Willis; three great grandchildren; a sister Monica Willis, brother Robert Willis and niece Jamie Willis. He was preceded in death by his parents James and Beverly Willis, brother George Wesley Willis and son in law Miles Hallberg.
A visitation will be held at Fisher-Riles Funeral Home at 10 am on Friday, May 8th with memorial service to immediately follow.

Maha Mountaha Darzi Habeeb passed away on April 30, 2026, at the age of 87 after battling strokes and heart conditions. ...
05/05/2026

Maha Mountaha Darzi Habeeb passed away on April 30, 2026, at the age of 87 after battling strokes and heart conditions. Maha was born on February 15, 1939, in Amyoun, Lebanon, in the District of El Koura located in a Christian community in the hills north of Beirut, where early disciples of Christ spread the Gospel. A woman of faithful prayer, she was a member of St. George Orthodox Church where she performed charitable work with the Women of St. George, including the annual Lebanese Dinner. She was a past president of the Cedars Ladies Club of Vicksburg, which celebrated her Lebanese heritage, and lived in Vicksburg for 61 years, from 1965 until her recent passing.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 46 years, George E. Habeeb, a Vicksburg native, World War II Purple Heart Veteran of the U.S. Army, and longtime postman. She was also preceded in death by her parents, Abdallah and Ameeni Darzi, brothers Dr. Kareem Darzi and Elias Darzi and a sister Fouz Darzi Badawi.

Maha was raised in the beautiful climate of the hills and mountains north of Beirut, where her home was situated on farmland which included sheep, olive trees, and almond trees. She often told the story of studying about the Mississippi River in grade school in Lebanon, only to ultimately move to Mississippi. After completing her education, she taught school for a short time in the old country, before visiting her brother and uncles in America. While visiting, she met her husband, George Habeeb, in 1964, married him in 1965, and became a proud citizen of the United States. They raised four boys, teaching them the Christian faith, the value of hard work, appreciation for America, and the pursuit of a strong education.

Maha was the ultimate homemaker. She was a full-time mother to four boys. She loved to share the art of homemade Lebanese food, as well as her recipes of American food, with everyone. She found time to sew and complete numerous needlepoint projects which adorn her home. She enjoyed gardening of flowers and herbs, maintaining a mint garden and grapevines which she used in her cuisine. She dedicated her life to caring for her husband and boys, reflective of Proverbs 31, quoted, in part here: “A wife of noble character, who can find? Her husband has full confidence in her and lacks nothing of value….She sets about her work vigorously; her arms are strong for her tasks….She sees that her trading is profitable, and her lamp does not go out at night….She extends her hand to the needy….When it snows, she has no fear for her household….She does not eat the bread of idleness….Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also….Charm is deceit and beauty is fleeting, but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.”

Her family and friends will miss her gentleness, kindness, her joyful spirit, compassion, love for children, loving smile, and welcoming spirit. She was a true servant. She was very gifted in arranging flowers at her church during Holy Week. She helped her neighbors, served her church, loved and served her family, and loved God. She is what being a Christian is all about. She is what Vicksburg is all about. Her life is an example of two quotes from Mother Teresa: "Let us always meet each other with a smile, for the smile is the beginning of love. " And, "Not all of us can do great things, but we can do small things with great love." The lives of Maha and her husband George demonstrated that it is the simple things in life that are the most meaningful and bring us the most joy. Vicksburg will never be the same without Maha and George. Two bright lights. Two beautiful souls.

She is survived by her sons, Dr. George E. Habeeb, Jr., Albert M. Habeeb, Samuel D. Habeeb (and wife Anne), and Dr. Daniel M. Habeeb (and wife Dr. Amanda), and her grandchildren, Luke Habeeb and Katherine Habeeb, whom she adored immensely. She is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews and their families.

The family expresses their deep appreciation to the many medical professionals, caregivers, and friends, who were there for Maha over the course the last two years.

Funeral arrangements are scheduled for Saturday, May 9, 2026, at St. George Antiochian Orthodox Church, Vicksburg, Father Gabriel Karam officiating. Visitation will begin at 10 AM followed by Trisagion Prayers and the Funeral Service which will begin at 11 AM also at the Church. The burial service will follow at Vicksburg's Cedar Hill Cemetery, under the direction of Fisher-Riles Funeral Home.

Sara Lee Hearn Baker, 83, passed away on April 28, 2026, at her home in Vicksburg. She was the daughter of the late Hube...
04/30/2026

Sara Lee Hearn Baker, 83, passed away on April 28, 2026, at her home in Vicksburg. She was the daughter of the late Hubert W. Hearn and Betty Foley Hearn. Sara was a graduate of H.V. Cooper High School and worked for many years as the manager of Magnolia Manor Apartments. She was also a former member of the Paddle Wheelers and a member of Christ Episcopal Church in Vicksburg.

She is survived by her brother, Jim Hearn (Babs); her daughters, Karen Baker McKay and Ann Hambright; one son, Michael W. Baker. She is also survived by her grandchildren, Joshua McKay, Lee Hambright Roy (Josh), Jamie McKay, Kristen Baker Mitchell (Michael), and Madison Baker; her great-grandchildren, Caetlyn Roy, Dalton Roy, River Mitchell, and Millie Ruth Mitchell; and one great-great-grandchild, John Ridge Brown. She also leaves behind numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her son, Tony Baker.

Funeral services will be held on Monday at 2 PM on Monday, May 4, 2026 at Christ Episcopal Church. Visitation will be from 1 PM until the hour of service. Interment will follow at Cedar Hill Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be Chuck Brown, Bobby Foley, Mike Dollar, Josh Roy, Michael Mitchell, Ryan Hearn and Chris Hearn. Honorary Pallbearers will be Josh McKay, Jamie McKay, Dalton Roy, River Mitchell, John Ridge Brown, Gary Thomas and Martin Pace.

Address

Vicksburg, MS

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 4pm
Tuesday 9am - 4pm
Wednesday 9am - 4pm
Thursday 9am - 4pm
Friday 9am - 4pm

Telephone

+16016290000

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