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Obituaries 10-23-25
October 21, 2025
VICTOR SAMUEL LEE
Oct. 9, 1949
A memorial service for Victor Samuel Lee, 76, of Laurel, will be at 11
a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 25, 2025 from Pleasant Grove Baptist Church in
Laurel. Visitation will be from 10-11 a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 25, 2025
from Pleasant Grove Baptist Church.
a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 25, 2025 from Pleasant Grove Baptist Church in
Laurel. Visitation will be from 10-11 a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 25, 2025
from Pleasant Grove Baptist Church.
Born on Oct. 9, 1949, he lived a life rooted in faith, service and
devotion to God, family and country.
devotion to God, family and country.
A proud Veteran of the United States Navy, he served as a Naval Advisor
during the Vietnam War, where he courageously earned two Purple Hearts,
three Silver Stars, one Bronze Star, Naval Commendation with Combat V,
National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal (two stars),
Vietnam Campaign Medal with device, Combat Action Ribbon and Navy Unit
Commendation Ribbon.
during the Vietnam War, where he courageously earned two Purple Hearts,
three Silver Stars, one Bronze Star, Naval Commendation with Combat V,
National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal (two stars),
Vietnam Campaign Medal with device, Combat Action Ribbon and Navy Unit
Commendation Ribbon.
His commitment to his country continued long after his military service,
as he faithfully worked as a Letter Carrier with the United States
Postal Service and later served as CEO of the Veterans Memorial Museum
in Laurel and as Past Commander of the Mississippi Disabled American
Veterans (DAV), where he was able to advocate for Veterans on the state
as well as the national level.
as he faithfully worked as a Letter Carrier with the United States
Postal Service and later served as CEO of the Veterans Memorial Museum
in Laurel and as Past Commander of the Mississippi Disabled American
Veterans (DAV), where he was able to advocate for Veterans on the state
as well as the national level.
Victor was a devoted member and deacon of Pleasant Grove Baptist Church,
where his faith was evident in both word and deed. He lived by the
principles of honesty, humility and hard work — leading by quiet
example and standing firm in his beliefs.
where his faith was evident in both word and deed. He lived by the
principles of honesty, humility and hard work — leading by quiet
example and standing firm in his beliefs.
He is survived by his daughters and sons-in-law, Jennifer Lee and Benji
Lott and Kim and Chuck Davis all of Laurel; his grandchildren, Noah
Dawson and Charlee Davis, both of Laurel; his brothers and
sister-in-law, Harold Lee and Hilton Ray "Mutt" and Kay Lee, all of
Laurel; and a host of nieces, nephews and friends who will forever honor
his memory.
Lott and Kim and Chuck Davis all of Laurel; his grandchildren, Noah
Dawson and Charlee Davis, both of Laurel; his brothers and
sister-in-law, Harold Lee and Hilton Ray "Mutt" and Kay Lee, all of
Laurel; and a host of nieces, nephews and friends who will forever honor
his memory.
He was preceded in death by his wife of 50 years, Kathy (Yarber) Lee;
his father, Samuel J. Lee; his mother, Lessie (Pilgrim) Lee; and his
sister, Laure (Lee) Rickard, all of the Laurel and surrounding areas.
his father, Samuel J. Lee; his mother, Lessie (Pilgrim) Lee; and his
sister, Laure (Lee) Rickard, all of the Laurel and surrounding areas.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the Veterans
Memorial Museum in Laurel. Donations can be made by visiting the group's
website or by mail at 920 Hillcrest Dr., Laurel, MS 39440.
Memorial Museum in Laurel. Donations can be made by visiting the group's
website or by mail at 920 Hillcrest Dr., Laurel, MS 39440.
"For I know that my Redeemer liveth, and that He shall stand at the
latter day upon the earth." — Job 19:25
latter day upon the earth." — Job 19:25
An online guestbook can be signed at www.freemanfh.com.
Freeman Funeral Home of Waynesboro is in charge of arrangements.
BETTY J. CLEMENTS
Oct. 31, 1956-Oct. 15, 2025
Funeral services for Betty J. Celments, 68, of Waynesboro were conducted
on Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025 from the Chapel of Freeman Funeral Home, with
Rev. Tamber Proctor officiating.
on Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025 from the Chapel of Freeman Funeral Home, with
Rev. Tamber Proctor officiating.
Interment followed at Antioch Assembly of God Cemetery in Waynesboro.
Born in Millry, Ala., on Wednesday, Oct. 31, 1956 to the late M.L. and
Josie Dixon, she was a member of Antioch Assembly of God Church. She
retired as an LPN at Lakeside Living in Quitman.
Josie Dixon, she was a member of Antioch Assembly of God Church. She
retired as an LPN at Lakeside Living in Quitman.
She died on Wednesday, Oct. 15, 2025 at Pine View Health and
Rehabilitation in Waynesboro.
Rehabilitation in Waynesboro.
She is survived by her loving husband of 43 years, Sam Clements; her
son, Adam Clements of Waynesboro; two daughters and sons-in-law, Nikki
and Matt Trisler of Waynesboro and Tiffany and Caine Rigney of State
Line; two brothers, Jim Dixon of Millry and Bob Dixon of St. Louis, Mo.;
three sisters, Shirley Gibson of Jackson, Ala., Linda Bunch of Millry
and Gail Sheets of St. Stephens, Ala.; seven grandchildren and their
respective spouses, Colby and Morgan Riley, MaKenzie and Kelton Pitts,
Brayden Clements, Ross Clements, Annah Kayte Clements, Beau Rigney and
Millie Rigney; three great-grandchildren, Colter, Kaden and Haven; her
aunt, Joan Boyles; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
son, Adam Clements of Waynesboro; two daughters and sons-in-law, Nikki
and Matt Trisler of Waynesboro and Tiffany and Caine Rigney of State
Line; two brothers, Jim Dixon of Millry and Bob Dixon of St. Louis, Mo.;
three sisters, Shirley Gibson of Jackson, Ala., Linda Bunch of Millry
and Gail Sheets of St. Stephens, Ala.; seven grandchildren and their
respective spouses, Colby and Morgan Riley, MaKenzie and Kelton Pitts,
Brayden Clements, Ross Clements, Annah Kayte Clements, Beau Rigney and
Millie Rigney; three great-grandchildren, Colter, Kaden and Haven; her
aunt, Joan Boyles; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents, M.L. and Josie Dixon; her
brother, Perry Dixon; and her sister, Teresa Phillips.
brother, Perry Dixon; and her sister, Teresa Phillips.
An online guestbook can be signed at www.freemanfh.com.
Freeman Funeral Home of Waynesboro was in charge of arrangements.
BONNIE MAE BLAKLEY SMITH
Dec. 20, 1937-Oct. 9, 2025
Funeral services for Bonnie Mae Blakley Smith, 87, of Waynesboro were
conducted on Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025 from St. Luke Missionary Baptist
Church, with Rev. John Robinson officiating.
conducted on Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025 from St. Luke Missionary Baptist
Church, with Rev. John Robinson officiating.
Interment followed at Serenity Gardens Cemetery in Waynesboro.
Born on Dec. 20, 1937, she was the Mother of the Church, sang in the
choir, was an Usher, served on the Kitchen Committee and was an honorary
member of New West Point Missionary Baptist Church.
choir, was an Usher, served on the Kitchen Committee and was an honorary
member of New West Point Missionary Baptist Church.
She died on Thusday, Oct. 9, 2025 at Wayne General Hospital.
She is survived by her devoted son, John Smith of Riverview, Fla.; her
daughters and late sons-in-law, Diane Walker, Eddie Mae and John, Ruby
Smith, Jessie Smith of Waynesboro, Virginia and Lonnie Thigpen of
Montrose; her siblings and their spouses, Annie Wiley, Annie P.
Johnston, Catherine Blakley, Eddie Joe and Ronnie Hill and Edward
Blakley; her grandchildren, Mona Smith, Kristen Friend, Christopher
Davis and Colby Davis; five great-grandchildren and a host of nieces,
nephews and so many loving and devoted special friends who she loved and
cherished so much.
daughters and late sons-in-law, Diane Walker, Eddie Mae and John, Ruby
Smith, Jessie Smith of Waynesboro, Virginia and Lonnie Thigpen of
Montrose; her siblings and their spouses, Annie Wiley, Annie P.
Johnston, Catherine Blakley, Eddie Joe and Ronnie Hill and Edward
Blakley; her grandchildren, Mona Smith, Kristen Friend, Christopher
Davis and Colby Davis; five great-grandchildren and a host of nieces,
nephews and so many loving and devoted special friends who she loved and
cherished so much.
She was preceded in death by her husbands, her parents, her sisters,
Mary Lee Pickens and Alice Strawbridge; her brother, James Blakly; he
son, Roy (Edna) Smith; and her aunt, Mary Lee Jones.
Mary Lee Pickens and Alice Strawbridge; her brother, James Blakly; he
son, Roy (Edna) Smith; and her aunt, Mary Lee Jones.
McDonald and Sons Funeral Home of Waynesboro was in charge of
arrangements.
arrangements.
DARLENE "DEAN" BOYLES
June 18, 1958-Oct. 14, 2025
Funeral services for Darlene "Dean" Boyles, 67, of Waynesboro, were
conducted on Friday, Oct. 17, 2025 from the Chapel of Freeman Funeral
Home, with Rev. Marvin Griffin and Rev. Tom Walker officiating.
conducted on Friday, Oct. 17, 2025 from the Chapel of Freeman Funeral
Home, with Rev. Marvin Griffin and Rev. Tom Walker officiating.
Born in Mobile, Ala., on Wednesday, June 18, 1958 to the late Joe Samuel
Kelly, Sr., and Mattie Elizabeth Kelly, she was a member of Boyles
Chapel Church. She worked in the Registrar's Office at the University of
Mobile and later became a CNA in Public Health Care.
Kelly, Sr., and Mattie Elizabeth Kelly, she was a member of Boyles
Chapel Church. She worked in the Registrar's Office at the University of
Mobile and later became a CNA in Public Health Care.
She died on Tuesday, Oct. 14, 2025 at her residence.
She is survived by her husband of five years, Keith Boyles of
Waynesboro; her son and daughter-in-law, Stephen and Allison Rouss of
Chunchula, Ala.; her daughter and son-in-law, Sarah Rouse and Roman Kyle
Naramore of Mobile, Ala.; three brothers and two sisters-in-law, Joe S.
Kelly II of Theodore, Ala., James D. and Rhonda Kelly of Mobile and
David K. and Pam Kelly of Chatom, Ala.; two sisters and a
brother-in-law, Angie Hooker of Wilmer, Ala., and Robbie and Mark Edmond
of Eight Mile, Ala.; five grandchildren, Sophie Rouss, Charlie Rouss,
Anna Ruth Rouss, Roman Naramore and Gavin Naramore; her aunt, Virginia
Guy; and a host of nieces, nephews, friends and loved ones.
Waynesboro; her son and daughter-in-law, Stephen and Allison Rouss of
Chunchula, Ala.; her daughter and son-in-law, Sarah Rouse and Roman Kyle
Naramore of Mobile, Ala.; three brothers and two sisters-in-law, Joe S.
Kelly II of Theodore, Ala., James D. and Rhonda Kelly of Mobile and
David K. and Pam Kelly of Chatom, Ala.; two sisters and a
brother-in-law, Angie Hooker of Wilmer, Ala., and Robbie and Mark Edmond
of Eight Mile, Ala.; five grandchildren, Sophie Rouss, Charlie Rouss,
Anna Ruth Rouss, Roman Naramore and Gavin Naramore; her aunt, Virginia
Guy; and a host of nieces, nephews, friends and loved ones.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Joe Samuel Kelly, Sr., and
Mattie Elizabeth Kelly.
Mattie Elizabeth Kelly.
An online guestbook can be signed at www.freemanfh.com.
Freeman Funeral Home of Waynesboro was in charge of arrangements.
MARY "RED" DUNN SMITH
July 14, 1946-Oct. 14, 2025
Funeral services for Mary "Red" Dunn Smith, 79, of Waynesboro were
conducted on Thursday, Oct. 16, 2025 from Eret Baptist Church in State
Line, with Rev. Mark Ferguson officiating.
conducted on Thursday, Oct. 16, 2025 from Eret Baptist Church in State
Line, with Rev. Mark Ferguson officiating.
Interment followed at Eret Baptist Church Cemetery in Wayne County.
Born in Waynesboro on Sunday, July 14, 1946 to George W. and Margaret H.
Ferguson, she was a member of Zion Rest Baptist Church. She retired from
both Wells Lamont and Jordan's Fish Camp.
Ferguson, she was a member of Zion Rest Baptist Church. She retired from
both Wells Lamont and Jordan's Fish Camp.
She died on Tuesday, Oct. 14, 2025 at Pine View Health and
Rehabilitation in Waynesboro.
Rehabilitation in Waynesboro.
She is survived by two daughters and sons-in-law, Darlene and Randy
Gibson of Gilbertown, Ala., and Charlotte and Tony Dunn of Waynesboro;
her brother and sister-in-law, Rex and Clydell Ferguson of Clara; four
sisters and a brother-in-law, Sadie Ross of Loxley, Ala., Gertrude Odom,
Lutrica Jordan and Thelma Ann and Darrell Garris of State Line; six
grandchildren and their respective spouses, Brittany and Derrick
Sullivan, Eric and Joel Snow, Joshua and Mady Gibson, Garrett and Erin
Gibson, J.D. and Brandilyn Hall and Heather and Josh Campbell; 16
great-grandchildren and a host of nieces and nephews.
Gibson of Gilbertown, Ala., and Charlotte and Tony Dunn of Waynesboro;
her brother and sister-in-law, Rex and Clydell Ferguson of Clara; four
sisters and a brother-in-law, Sadie Ross of Loxley, Ala., Gertrude Odom,
Lutrica Jordan and Thelma Ann and Darrell Garris of State Line; six
grandchildren and their respective spouses, Brittany and Derrick
Sullivan, Eric and Joel Snow, Joshua and Mady Gibson, Garrett and Erin
Gibson, J.D. and Brandilyn Hall and Heather and Josh Campbell; 16
great-grandchildren and a host of nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her husband, John Roland Dunn; her parents,
George W. and Margaret H. Ferguson; three brothers, Gerald Ferguson,
Cassell Ferguson and Dexter Ferguson; and her sister, Margaret "Snookie"
Ferguson.
George W. and Margaret H. Ferguson; three brothers, Gerald Ferguson,
Cassell Ferguson and Dexter Ferguson; and her sister, Margaret "Snookie"
Ferguson.
An online guestbook can be signed at www.freemanfh.com.
Freeman Funeral Home of Waynesboro was in charge of arrangements.
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