Fisher-Riles Funeral Home & Crematory (2025)

28/08/2025

Patricia Ann “Pat” Guy, 78, of Vicksburg, Mississippi, passed away peacefully on August 20,2025, surrounded by her loved ones.

Born in Vicksburg, Mississippi, on December 24, 1946, Pat was a beloved daughter, sister,mother, and friend whose sassy presence kept us all on our toes.

She is survived by her son, Christopher Guy; her nieces, Becky Childress (Matt), JenniferBassett (Jim), and Eleanor Jones (Jason); and her nephews, Josh Bassett, Jordan Bassett,Wade Childress, Neal Childress, and Drew Jones. She is also survived by her brothers, Randy(Tina) Stubbs and T.J. (Judy) Stubbs.

Pat was preceded in death by her husband, Wallace Guy; her father, Neal Stubbs; her mother,Louise Murray; and her sister, Connie Geary.

Pat will be remembered for her strength, her love of gardening, her beautiful spirit, and herability to make the most delicious chocolate pies.

A graveside service to celebrate Pat’s life will be held on Saturday, August 30, 2025, at 3:00p.m. at Greenlawn Gardens Cemetery. Family and friends are invited to gather and sharememories.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to St. Jude Children’s ResearchHospital in Pat’s memory.

25/08/2025

Georgia Mann (Joy) Caruthers passed away on Saturday, August 23 at St. Dominic Hospital in Jackson at the age of 73. Born at Barksdale Air Force Base in Bossier City, LA on July 10, 1952, she had been a resident of Vicksburg since 1970. She was a graduate of Port Gibson High School and attended Hinds Jr. College. She worked as a secretary for her husband at Caruthers Heating and Air. She enjoyed sewing, crocheting, cooking, fishing, and gardening. She was a member of Vicksburg Seventh Day Adventist Church.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Shelby, Jr. and Maxine Mann; her brother, Shelby Mann, III; and a granddaughter, Morgan Cheyenne Caruthers.

She is survived by her husband of 54 years, Thomas A. Caruthers, III; her children Thomas A. (Tac) Caruthers, IV (Renee), George Adam Caruthers (Amber), and Jeffery Paul Caruthers (Nancy); her grandchildren: Jessica Taylor (Allen), Rhoads Caruthers (Laken), Brandon Caruthers (Rachel), Jonathan Caruthers, Blake Caruthers, and Brooks Caruthers; and her great-grandchildren: Taylor, Henry, Liam, Luke, and Everett; a sister, Edwina Carpenter (Randy); and numerous nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held at 3 PM on Saturday, August 30 at Vicksburg Seventh Day Adventist Church at 3704 Lee Road in Vicksburg. Visitation will be from 1 PM until the hour of service.

25/08/2025

Ruth Israel Cooper (Bootsie) age 65 passed away on August 16, 2025, at her home after a hard fought battle with acute myeloid leukemia. Born June 6, 1960, Bootsie was one of seven children of the late Calvin J. Israel, Sr. and Ruth Pinkston Israel. She grew up in Vicksburg and was a proud graduate of the St. Aloysius Class of 1978.

During high school Bootsie was active in band, Rebelettes, and the Catholic Youth Organization. In CYO she served as both an officer and later as an adult sponsor. One of her most vivid memories of high school was the fire in 1977 that destroyed St. Aloysius High School. She along with other students, parents, and teachers formed an assembly line to remove as many books and important items from the school as possible thus saving many of the school’s treasures. This and other memories formed a special lifetime friendship between Bootsie and several girls from her class who called themselves the GRITS (Girls Raised in the South).

After graduation Bootsie entered the work force and began her career as an administrative assistant. She worked in that position at Ergon Refining and then continued her career at Fresenius Dialysis Center where she was valued for her knowledge, skill, and dedication as well as her compassionate care for the patients.

On September 17, 2009, Bootsie married Hank Cooper, who she described as her own personal miracle. Together they enjoyed traveling, concerts, and their home in Terry, Mississippi with a beautiful lake view that brought Bootsie such peace and pleasure.

Bootsie was a loving wife, mother, Grammy, sister, aunt, and friend. She was generous with her time, she loved deeply, and found joy with her husband, family, and friends. Some of the happiest times were large family gatherings centered around being together, laughter, and the joy of shared memories. There will forever be an empty space in the lives of all she touched.

Bootsie was preceded in death by her parents, her sister Rita Israel Haik, her brothers in law Brad Haik and Larry Grant and her mother and father in law Elaine and Myron Cooper.

Survivors include her husband, Hank Cooper, her sons Jason Brown (Kirby); Joseph Brown (Carly); and grandchildren Ella, Wyatt, Cove, and Arch. Bootsie is also survived by a stepson Michael Cooper (Monica) and step grandsons John Michael, Sean Ethan, and step-granddaughters Annabeth and Ava Kate. Additionally Bootsie leaves behind her brothers Gil Israel (Bonnie), Joe Israel (Mary Lou), Ricky Israel; and her sisters Cheryl Israel Grant, and Lori Israel Flanagan (Coy D) as well as numerous nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews who all held a special place in Aunt Bootsie’s heart.

Memorial services for Bootsie will be held on Saturday, August 30, 2025, at Fisher Riles Funeral Home, 5000 Indiana Avenue, Vicksburg, Mississippi. Visitation will take place from 10:00 a.m. until 12:00 noon with services in the chapel of the funeral home at noon. Services will be officiated by Father Robert Dore and Father P. J. Curley of St. Michael Catholic Church. Interment will follow at City of Vicksburg Cedar Hill Cemetery.Bootsie’s family would like to acknowledge with gratitude the care provided by AccentCare Hospice. Also a special thank you is given to Bootsie and Hank’s daughter in law Monica Cooper for the calming and loving care she provided to Bootsie in the last few days of her illness.

Memorials may be made to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society (LLS.org) or St. Aloysius High School, 1900 Grove Street, Vicksburg, MS 39183.

25/08/2025

Danny Reginald Uzzle entered this world on November 30, 1953, and departed this earth on August 17, 2025, after a brief illness.

Danny known as Dan the man to his close family, spent his early years traveling the world as a welder, a career that gave him both skill and adventure. After retiring, he found joy and purpose working with the Vicksburg Police Department. Danny lived a modest life, but he was known for his generosity and willingness to help anyone in need.

In his free time, he loved playing cards, dice, and Yahtzee with his beloved companion, Vicky, and his friend, George. He enjoyed painting, browsing thrift stores with Vicky, and was talented with his hands—always building or fixing something.

Danny was preceded in death by his father, James R. Uzzle; brother, Neil Powell Uzzle; cousin, Jerry Uzzle; and his daughter, Mary Ann.

He is survived by his longtime companion, Vicky Newsome; daughter, Windy Shiers of Maine; step daughter, Bridget Calvert, mother, Gena Uzzle of Tennessee; brother, Paul Uzzle of South Dakota; sisters, Sandra Shadd and Sharon Robinson of Tennessee; as well as several grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.

A memorial service will be held Thursday, August 28, at Fisher-Riles Funeral Home at 5000 Indiana Avenue. Family will receive friends at 5:00 p.m., and a service officiated by Tommy Miller at 6:00.

The family extends heartfelt thanks to the nurses and doctors at UMMC and Select Specialty Care for the extraordinary care Danny received during the past three months.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or the Vicksburg-Warren County Low-Cost Neuter Clinic.

22/08/2025

Did you know that pre-planning your funeral or cremation offers immense peace of mind for both you and your family? It allows you to make your wishes known, ensuring your final arrangements truly reflect your life and values. Plus, it can alleviate emotional and financial burdens on your loved ones during a difficult time. It's a thoughtful gift to those you care about most.

18/08/2025

It is with deep love and sorrow that we announce the passing of Bettye Jean Cooper Kelly, 78, ofVicksburg, MS, who left us on August 9, 2025.Born on August 29, 1946 in Memphis, TN, Bettye lived a life full of love, kindness, and devotion to herfamily, friends, and students. She was known for her love for her grandchildren and many years ofdedication to her students throughout her teaching career.

She married Wilsey Kelly on November 29, 1968, and together they shared 57 wonderful years ofmarriage. Bettye was the mother of Holly Kelly and India Wooten, and the beloved grandmother ofLogan Surber, Mary Makenna Wooten, Wil Wooten, and John Carter Wooten. Her family was the centerof her world and she created a home filled with lots of love and celebrations.

Outside of family, Bettye found joy in teaching. Her many years of teaching began in Tallulah, LA, and from there she went on to teach at Magnolia Academy, Central Hinds Academy, Saint Aloysius Catholic School, and Hinds Community College. She touched the lives of so many students, several of whom she kept in contact with long after they graduated.

She is survived by Wilsey S. Kelly (husband), daughters, Holly Kelly(Chad Surber) of Oxford ,MS, India Wooten(Buddy Wooten) of Bovina, MS, grandchildren Logan Surber of Oxford MS, Mary Makenna Wooten, Wil Wooten, and John Carter Wooten of Bovina, MS.

She was preceded in death by her parents J.P. and Mary Louise Cooper, Jo Ann Gower (sister), andbrothers Jim Cooper and John Cooper.

Her legacy of love, strength and compassion will live on in all who knew her.A celebration of Bettye’s life will be held by the family at a private memorial service. In lieu of flowers,the family asks that donations be made to:

Micah’s Mission
900 Crawford Street
Vicksburg, MS 39180

15/08/2025

John W. Starnes Jr., 73, of Vicksburg passed away peacefully on August 13, 2025. John was a devoted father and grandfather. He was a gunner's mate in the Navy, govt. employee at ERDC, and a computer technician for Simpson Dura-Vent. John was a member of Gibson Memorial UMC and Porter's Chapel UMC. He was also a member of the Freemasons and Cursillo. John was known for his deep love of God, devotion to family, and love of music.

He is survived by his daughter, Melissa; his grandchildren, Damien, Akira, and Deja; his sister Betty; his brother-in-law, James; his nephew, Chris; his niece, Karen and her husband Brian and daughter Stephanie; his niece Mary and her husband John and daughter Hattie. Visitation will be held on Sunday, August 17 from 2 pm to 3 pm at Fisher-Riles Funeral Home, 5000 Indiana Avenue. A memorial service will follow at 3 pm with the Rev. Mitch Cochran officiating.

13/08/2025

Lisa Sturgis Luckett passed away on Tuesday, August 12, 2025 at her home surrounded by her family. She was 65.
Lisa was born in West Monroe, LA on February 18, 1960. She has been a resident of Vicksburg since a young toddler. She was a member of Immanuel Baptist Church. Lisa loved the Lord and her family and always put her worries aside for others, she loved her friends, writing calligraphy, painting, collecting little Nicknacks, her church and her church family and read her Bible daily. She impacted so many people and gained a lot of adoptive kids through her kids, grandkids and work. She was always filled with love and laughter and to have known her was nothing that could be beat except knowing Jesus Christ as your personal savior. A kind and heartfelt soul that is no longer suffering but who gained her wings.

Lisa is survived by her husband, Jerry, her children: Jeremy Luckett (Amy), Casey Pearson (Jim), Jeffrey Luckett, Angel Luckett and Minnie Pearl, her grandchildren: Ariel Self, Adison Pearson, John Hayes Anderson, her great-grandchild: Sedona Jewell, Her mother, Jean Beebe Sturgis, her sisters: Penny Dement (Mark), Jackie Sturgis, Vickie Williams (Shawn) her nephew: Kaleb Williams (Tiffany) and their children.

She will reside in heaven with our Lord Jesus and her father Marion Jackson Sturgis ‘Jack’.

Visitation will be held on Friday, August 15 from 1 pm until 3 pm at Immanuel Baptist Church with services to follow at 3 pm with the Rev. Billy Brumfield officiating.

Special thank you to Jenny Smith Jabour and Tracey Hoofman for always being there for my wife and mom through their thick friendship and her health.

Also special thanks to Katina, Karlee & Sara with Arden Hospice on their personal love and caring that they expressed Along with The Payne’s & her sister-n-law Debbie Duke. Thank you Pat Rouse and Brandy Harvey for always being there. It has meant more than you two can imagine.

09/08/2025

B.J. Shows Jr. was born February 9,1941 in Simpson County. He passed away on August 8,2025 in Vicksburg, MS. He was the son of Baker and Eva Shows of Mendenhall, MS and wasthe sixth child of eight children. His siblings were: Lavina, Vivian, Luther, Frank, Webbie, Sarah
and Townsend. BJ was married to Ruth Usrey Shows for twenty-three years.He is survived by his daughter Rebecca Broom (Danny) of Madison, and two sons Jay Shows(Bille) and David Shows (Katie) all of Vicksburg; five grandchildren: Carson Shows (Makayla),Barrett Shows, Bryce Shows, Brady Shows, and Brandy Anthony (Hayden); four great grandchildren: Paige Bussey, Jack Stewart, Luna Scott and Juniper Shows.

BJ was employed by Coca Cola for thirteen years, was self-employed at BJ’s Recreational centerand was Manager of Hilldale Water for twelve years. He worked in the construction industryuntil retirement.

He loved to hunt and fish with friends and family, particularly at Sand Bar Hunting Club withDennis Taylor and Dave Moffett. He also enjoyed hunting and fishing with his buddies CaptainDavid Schaeffer and crew from Texas. His other favorite hunting buddies were David (Whimpy)
Harrell and Jimmy Renfroe.He loved watching SEC football - especially the Ole Miss Rebels, cooking for family andfriends, including the Mens Breakfast and Fish Fries at Eagle Lake Baptist Church with CharlesWatson and John Knight where he served as Deacon for eight years.BJ wanted to mention special thanks to Cynde and Mickey Mott, John Knight, Charles Watson,Eagle Lake Baptist Church, Dr Johnston, Dr Fagan and Dr Paul Pierce. He also wanted toexpress his love and thanks to the nurses, caretakers and entire staff at the VicksburgConvalescent Center. They were like family to him.

The family would like to thank St Joseph Hospice for their love and care during BJ’s last days.

Pallbearers will be BJ’s four Grandsons: Carson Shows, Barrett Shows, Brady Shows and Bryce
Shows, as well as long time family friends Tommy Kelly and Chip Porter.Honorary Pallbearers will be Kenny Warner, David Schaeffer, Glenn D***s, Eagle Lake BaptistChurch Senior Sunday School Class, Oakland Baptist Church and Johnnie Rolland.

Visitation will be from 9-11am on Tuesday August 12 at Fisher Riles Funeral Home, 5000 Indiana Avenue with funeral service at 11:00. Burial will follow at Greenlawn Gardens Cemetery.BJ’s special friend Tony Monk will officiate the service.

08/08/2025

Becky Gunter Ryan passed away peacefully at her home on Wednesday, August 6, 2025. She was 77. Born on January 29, 1948 in Pascagoula, MS.

She was preceded in death by her parents, James and Mary Gunter from Pascagoula, MS; her son, Jarrod Wasson; grandson, Jim Wasson and her husband, Burt Ryan.

She is survived by her children, Kelly Christian, Kim Watson (Herman), Wayne Wasson (Shannon), Taylor Ryan (Julia); grandchildren, Jordan Watson (Lacey), Garrett Watson (Morgan), Analiese Bryan (Scott), Kimberlynn Christian, Durand Christian, Dylan Wasson, Walker Wasson, Jake Wasson and Nora Ryan; sister, Judy Yost; brother, Larry Gunter (Becky) and five great-grandchildren.

Pallbearers will be Jordan Watson, Garrett Watson, Durand Christian, Dylan Wasson, Walker Wasson and Jake Wasson.

Private graveside services will be held.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to Gentiva Hospice and her special nurse, Brooke Patterson Newcomb for her care, kindness and laughs she gave our mama.

08/08/2025

Did you know that choosing cremation doesn't mean skipping a meaningful funeral service? Many families find comfort in a traditional viewing, visitation, and service before cremation. This allows loved ones to gather, share memories, and say a final goodbye, honoring the life lived in a way that feels right for them. It's about celebrating a life, regardless of the final disposition choice.

31/07/2025

Harold Blackmon passed away peacefully at his home in Vicksburg, Mississippi, surrounded by his family, on Sunday, July 27, 2025. He was 85.
Born on April 8, 1940, in Vicksburg, Harold was the youngest of four children of Wade William and Myrtle Virginia “Virgie” Blackmon-McCool. He graduated from Jett High School in 1959 and later served in the Army National Guard.
Harold was a devoted husband to Beatrice “Cooky” Blackmon, his beloved wife of 57 years. Together, they built a life grounded in love, laughter, and enduring partnership. Prior to retiring in 2007, he spent over 30 years in sales and management at Cowboy Maloney’s where he was known for his friendly spirit, strong work ethic, and reliability. We will always remember his quiet strength, gentle humor, and unwavering integrity that shaped our lives. He had a natural gift for making others feel welcome and at ease, offering kindness and meeting life’s challenges with calm resolve. He approached every task—whether in his career, his garden, or his community—with diligence, pride, and humility. Time spent together as a family was what he cherished most, and he taught us the importance of dependability and compassion—not through words, but by the way he lived. His example gave us not only love, but a legacy we will forever hold in our hearts.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister, Beverly Blackmon-Shipp.
He is survived by his wife, Beatrice Blackmon; two brothers, Wade Blackmon and Earl “Terry” Blackmon; three daughters, Kimberly Clarke, Virginia Renee Crutchfield, and Deborah McMillin; and six grandchildren: Kenny, Natalie, and Noah McMillin; Kasey and Ashlyn Drew Clarke; and Phillip Crutchfield.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to St. Joseph’s Hospice for the exceptional care, kindness, and dignity they provided during Harold’s final weeks. A special thank you goes to his nurse, Jessi Pennington, and nurse aide, Katherine Upshire, whose compassion and presence meant so much. The entire team’s support brought comfort not only to Harold, but to the whole family during a deeply difficult time.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, August 6 from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm with services to follow at Fisher-Riles Funeral Home, 5000 Indiana Avenue.

Monday	09:00 - 16:00
Tuesday	09:00 - 16:00
Wednesday	09:00 - 16:00
Thursday	09:00 - 16:00
Friday	09:00 - 16:00

Fisher-Riles Funeral Home & Crematory

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