Colonial Chapel Funeral Home of Bay Springs and Raleigh

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Colonial Chapel Funeral Home of Bay Springs and Raleigh

Trusted Funeral and Cremation service provider for Jasper and surrounding counties located in Bay Sp "We are a Family Serving Families." Randy Graham
Manager

Here at Colonial Chapel of Bay Springs and Raleigh we know what it means to be a part of a family....people bound by all kinds of ties in all kinds of situations. At Colonial Chapel of Bay Springs and Raleigh we quietly provide support, guidance, compassion and total commitment at a time when inner strength and peace are challenged.

08/03/2026

Glenda Earlean Thompson Gilreath, 83 of Raleigh, Mississippi passed away Sunday, August 2, 2026, at the Mississippi Care Center in Raleigh.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, August 5, 2026, from 10:00 AM until 11:30 AM at Colonial Chapel Funeral Home of Raleigh. Funeral services will take place on Wednesday, August 5, 2026, at 12:00 PM at Double Church. Burial will follow in Double Church Cemetery in Raleigh, Mississippi. Bro. Mark Thompson and Bro. Bobby Davis will officiate. Colonial Chapel Funeral Home of Raleigh is in charge of arrangements. 601-764-2181

Glenda was a faithful employee for the Smith County Schools office of nutrition as an Administrative Assistant, where she worked for 26 and half years.

Survivors include her son, Richard Gilreath (Lisa); brother, Randy Thompson (Teresa); sisters, Gale Walin, Becky Sanford (Louie); granddaughter, Carrie Alexandra Gilreath; sister-in-law, Undean Thompson; and a host of nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Henry Wayne Gilreath; parents, Herbert Thompson and Gladys Hester Thompson; brothers, Marcus Thompson and Mickey Thompson; sisters, Inez Cannova and Pam Gandy.

Pallbearers will be Doug Thornton, Brian Phillips, Randy Thompson, Eric Thompson, Jeremy Gandy, Donnie Bounds, Louie Sanford, and BJ Ervin.

Special thanks to Mississippi Care Center of Raleigh and Gentiva Hospice for their dedication, comfort, and support during this difficult time.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Double Church Cemetery Fund c/o Tim Craft 239 SCR 18-3, Raleigh, MS 39153.

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

07/27/2026

Carolyn Dovie Mize, 90, of Laurel, MS, passed away peacefully on Sunday, July 26, 2026, at Jasper County Nursing Home. She was born on February 1, 1936, in Laurel, MS.

She was an avid reader and baker and a member of Houston Road Congregational Methodist Church and was cherished and loved by family and friends.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 53 years, Rev. Thomas G. Mize; son, Clay Mize; parents, Everette and Geneva Holifield and one brother, Frank Holifield.

She is survived by her loving family, including numerous cousins and other relatives.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, July 30, 2026, from 10:00AM to 11:00AM at Colonial Chapel Funeral Home of Bay Springs, MS. Graveside services will follow at 11:30AM at Shady Grove Cemetery in Laurel, MS. Arrangements are under the care of Colonial Chapel Funeral Home of Bay Springs. Bro. Stanley Doggett will officiate.

Honored to serve as pallbearers will be Allan Abbey, Howard Crocker, JC Doggett, Kerry Holifield, Johnny Musgrove, and Kelly Segraves.

Special thanks to staff and volunteers at Jasper County Nursing Home who have cared for Mrs. Carolyn during the past 4 years. You helped make this her “home away from home”. God bless each of you for your helpfulness and kindness.

07/25/2026

Peggy Thornton passed away peacefully on July 25, 2026, surrounded by the love of those who meant the most to her. She was born on September 24, 1952, to the late Doris McBay Buchanan.

Funeral services will begin at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, July 28, 2026, at Colonial Chapel Funeral Home, 22 East 4th Avenue, Bay Springs, MS, with visitation one hour prior to the service. Burial will follow in Bezer Cemetery in Raleigh, MS.

Peggy dedicated 17 years of service to East Central Planning and Development, where she faithfully served her community. After leaving her career there, she felt God leading her in a different direction. She opened her heart and home to foster children, providing love, stability, and hope to countless young lives. Caring for others was simply who Peggy was.

For 54 wonderful years, Peggy shared life with the love of her life, Kenneth Dale Thornton. While the rest of the world knew him as Dale, Peggy lovingly—and often loudly—called him “Damn Dale,” a nickname that became just another part of their beautiful love story. Their marriage was built on unwavering devotion, laughter, and a lifetime of memories.

Peggy never missed an opportunity to tease and joke with her beloved sister, Diane Bretz. Their bond was one of laughter, love, and lifelong friendship. As Peggy’s health gradually declined, she remained forever grateful for the compassionate care Diane gave her, a gift of love Peggy treasured deeply.

The kitchen was Peggy’s happy place. Her family will forever remember the countless home-cooked meals she lovingly prepared and the way she brought everyone together around the table. Feeding those she loved was one of the many ways she showed her affection.

Above all else, Peggy’s greatest joy and proudest accomplishment was raising her daughter/granddaughter, Ava Thornton. Ava was the light of Peggy’s life, and there was nothing she loved more than being “Mama.” Peggy wanted Ava to always know: “Mama will always love you and will be watching over you.”

Peggy leaves behind a special message for her godson Allen McCluskey, who she affectionately called Bubba. “Thank you for being the son I never had. Always remember Eve and I have you covered from both ends now.”

Peggy leaves behind to cherish her memory her devoted husband, Kenneth Dale “Damn Dale” Thornton; her beloved sister, Diane Bretz; her precious daughter/granddaughter, Ava Thornton; her son, Diego Diaz; her cherished godson, Allen “Bubba” McCluskey (Caity); and her unborn grandson, Fischer McCluskey.

Before her passing, Peggy left one final message for her dear friend, Dana Hendry:

“Dana, thank you for loving my girl the way I do and being another mother to her. I have enjoyed our many years of dance together. I’m afraid the time has come to say our goodbyes. This is my final curtain call. Please take care of my Ava for me.”

Serving as pallbearers will be Allen McCluskey, Easton Anderson, Mason Stringer, Corey Parker, Chris Shelby, and Matt McCool. Serving as honorary pallbearer will be Tony Saterfiel.

Peggy lived life on her own terms—with grit, laughter, stubbornness, generosity, and a heart that loved fiercely. She would want everyone to remember her exactly as she was.

And in true Peggy fashion, she wanted everyone to always remember that she was “the meanest woman in Jasper County.”

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

07/20/2026

Sherry Lee Jackson Ely, 85, passed away on Sunday, July 19, 2026, at Jasper County Nursing Home in Bay Springs, Mississippi.

Visitation will be held Wednesday, July 22, 2026, from 5:00 pm until 7:00 pm, at Colonial Chapel Funeral Home of Bay Springs. A graveside funeral service will be held Thursday, July 23, 2026, at Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church Cemetery at 11:00 am. Bro Stanley Downs will officiate.

Sherry was born on November 18, 1940, in Clarksdale, Mississippi. She was a graduate of Clarksdale High School and was employed as a legal secretary for many years. After retirement, she was elected as an election commissioner in Coahoma County and served in that role for a number of years. Sherry was an avid reader and loved playing bridge with her bridge group. A longtime communicant of St. George's Episcopal Church, Sherry also served in the Kairos Parchman Prison Ministry. While residing with her son and daughter-in-law in Smith County, she worshiped with the congregation of Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Samuel Hubert Ely; her parents, Richard Adrian and Lucille Jackson; her brother, Dan Jackson; her sister, Lucy Robertson; and brothers-in-law Jerry Robertson, Mack Ely, Thomas Ely, and Wayne Winter.

Survivors include her sons Lee Wess Ely (Tonja) and Samuel Martin Ely; granddaughter, Mabry LeeAnn Ely Dennis (Jamie); grandson, SFC Lee Wess Ely (Kaylan); great grandchildren, Ely James Dennis, Waylon Daniel Ely, Easton Luke Dennis, and Malia Jane Ely; sister, Carolyn Dawson (Allen); sisters-in-law Rachel Winter, Martha Ely, and Beverly Ely; and a host of nieces and nephews.

The family would like to thank Bailey White and the staff at Jasper County Nursing Home, as well as Brittney Patterson and the staff at Covington Ridge Retirement Home for their care and assistance.

In lieu of flowers the family request memorial donations be made to a charity of your choice.

Colonial Chapel Funeral Home of Bay Springs was pleased to serve the Ely family. An online guestbook may be viewed and signed at www.colonialchapelbaysprings.com.

06/26/2026

Fondia Dean Bufkin, age 81, passed away Thursday, June 25, 2026 at the Jones County Nursing Home, where she had been a resident for a short time.

Funeral services will begin at 1:00 pm on Tuesday, June 30, 2026 at Liberty Baptist Church at Stringer, with visitation beginning two hours prior to the service in the church.

Burial will follow in the Liberty Baptist Cemetery under the direction of Colonial Chapel Funeral Home in Bay Springs.

Bro. Stanley Doggett will officiate.

Mrs. Bufkin was lifelong resident of Jasper County and was a retired nurse. She held membership with Liberty Baptist Church at Stringer. Favorite past times included shopping and spending time with her family. She will be missed by those who knew and loved her.

Survivors include her son, Anthony Bufkin of Stringer; eight grandchildren, Michael Abbey, Rayshawna Johnson, Joe Larry Bufkin, Hayley Kelley, Benjamin Benison, Kevin Bufkin, Trevor Bufkin, and Tristan Bufkin; several great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.

She is preceded in death by her husbands, Joe Pat Bufkin and Ance Harris; one son, Patrick Bufkin; her parents, Lester and Flonnie Rayner; one brothers, Robert Rayner and one sister, Nelda Dickerson.

Pallbearers will be Tristan Bufkin, Trevor Bufkin, Michael Abbey, Brandon Kelley, Tabitha Bufkin, and Benjamin Benison.

An online guestbook may be viewed and signed at

06/24/2026

Wilson Kar Ishee, 29, of Bay Springs MS, passed away June 22, 2026, at South Central Regional Medical Hospital. He was born on January 29, 1997, in Laurel, MS.

Cowboy was a heck of a fisherman and loved hunting. He loved bull riding, riding motorcycles and his family.

He was preceded in death by his father, Otho Leon Ishee Sr; grandmother, Mary Ann D***s; grandfather, William Edward Carnegie; grandmother, Bernice, grandfather, Floyd M. Ishee.

He is survived by his family, including his wife Mary Ishee; children, Carson Ishee, Avonia Bufkin, Nevaeh Hilinski, Timmy Welch, Mary Welch; mother, Ivy Cain; brothers, Otho Leon Ishee Jr., Ellis Lee Ishee (Brandy), Jeremy Lane Ishee (Destiny), sister, Samantha Pruitt, and a host of nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held on Friday June 26, 2026, at Colonial Chapel of Bay Springs Funeral Home, Bay Springs, Mississippi, from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM. Funeral services will follow at 12:00 PM at the same location. Arrangements are under the care of Colonial Chapel of Bay Springs, MS.

06/16/2026

Dorothy Monique Moore of Raleigh, MS passed into the arms of her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Monday, June 15, 2026, at the age of 62 at her residence. Monique was born April 20, 1964 in Jackson, MS. She graduated from Pearl High School and then earned an Associate of Arts degree before joining the workforce.

With her free spirit and adventurous soul, Monique lived life on her own terms. She had a deep love for travel and was fortunate to call several different states home throughout her lifetime. A gifted artist, she had the remarkable ability to bring almost anything she imagined to life on paper. Monique also had a special fondness for the fleur-de-lis, collecting them over the years and building a treasured collection that reflected her unique style and spirit.

Monique was preceded in death by her daddy, Ernest Clay Moore. She leaves behind to cherish her memory her mother, Patricia Irene Moore; her sons, Justin Clay Roberts, Jason Matthew Roberts, and Joshua Ray Roberts; her grandchildren, Zane Christian Roberts, Brooklyn Grace Roberts, and Rosalie June Roberts; her brother, Ricky Culpepper; her sisters, Vicki Moore Evans (Howard), Patti Moore Graham (Anthony), and Katie Moore Dowler; her aunt, Dianne Moore Berry (Wallace); and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and extended family.

Also left to treasure her memory are her faithful dog, Luna, and the many dear friends and neighbors she loved and considered family.

A memorial service will be held Saturday, July 18, 2026, at First Baptist Church of Raleigh fellowship hall located at 154 Main St. Raleigh, MS. Visitation will be 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm with the service to follow at 1:00.

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

06/08/2026

Bobbie Ainsworth Blackwell, age 84, passed away Sunday, June 7, 2026, at MS Care Center of Raleigh, MS. She was born November 16, 1941, in Bay Springs, MS.

Bobbie was a member of Union Baptist Church of Bay Springs. She grew up in Bay Springs and attended Raleigh High School where she excelled in basketball and was voted Best Athlete her Senior Year. She retired after 30+ years from Southern Pine Electric Power Association of Taylorsville. Bobbie enjoyed being outdoors working in her yard and garden. Fishing was one of her favorite past times.
She is preceded in the death by parents, Lane Ainsworth and Ruby Stringer, sister, Elaine McMullan.

Bobbie is survived by her husband of 64 years, Jack Blackwell; son Stacy Blackwell (Jackie); grandchildren, Blaine Gregory (Michelle), Jake Gregory (Kyna), and 5 great-grandchildren; sisters, Johnnie Bryant, June Hollingshead (Jimmy), Shelby Jones, Ann Trest; brother, Roger Stringer (Faye).

Visitation will be held Wednesday June 10, 2026, at Colonial Chapel Bay Springs from 10:00AM to 12:00PM with funeral service to follow. Burial will be held at Mt. Nebo Baptist Church Cemetery. Bro. Leon Carmichael will officiate.

Pallbearers are Bobbie’s two grandsons, Blaine and Jake Gregory, nephews, Pete Lewis, Eddie McMullan, Todd Yelverton, and Tony Yelverton.

Honorary pallbearers are Joe Ishee, Leroy Shelby, Roger Yelverton, and Jimmy Hollingshead.

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

06/06/2026

Larry Glenn, 74, of Bay Springs passed from this life Friday, June 5, 2026. He was born on November 22, 1951, to Henry Diston and Ema Lou Hancock Glenn. Larry was a member of Zion Rest Baptist Church.

He was preceded in death by his parents Henry Diston Glenn and Ema Lou Hancock Glenn, sister Linda Patterson and great grand daughter Pricilla Glenn.

Survivors include his son Steven Glenn (Stacy) of Raleigh, MS; daughters, Angela Pugh (Jamie) of Bay Springs, MS; and Sandy Johnson (Billy) of Mize, MS; grandchildren Kristian Wilkerson, Angel Glenn, Danielle Wilkerson, Alex Glenn, Toni Baggett, Summer Jernigan, Hunter Pugh, and Kaden Pugh, as well as 16 great grandchildren.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday June 9, 2026, from 11:00 AM until 12:00 PM at Lake Como Baptist Church, CR 23 Bay Springs, MS. Funeral services will follow at 12:00 PM. Graveside services will follow at Walnut Grove Baptist Church Cemetery, SCR 84 Raleigh, MS. Bro. Paul Hand and Bro. Carlton McNeer will officiate. Special music will be brought by Mrs. Melinda Hand. Friends and family will serve as pallbearers. Serving as Honorary Pallbearers are Paul Ingram and Paul Strickland.

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

06/05/2026

Joe Thomas Husband, 79, passed away peacefully on June 4, 2026, at Merit Health Wesley Hospital in Hattiesburg, Mississippi, surrounded by the family who loved him dearly.

Joe was born on September 13, 1946, in Raleigh, Mississippi, to Dent and Cora Mae (Middleton) Husband.

A 1966 graduate of Raleigh High School, Joe soon answered the call to serve his country by joining the United States Marine Corps. He honorably served during the Vietnam War from 1966 to 1968. Following his military service, he returned home and married the love of his life, Jimmie Sue Yates, on August 16, 1969. Together they shared 56 years of marriage and built a family legacy rooted in faith, kindness, integrity, and love.

Joe continued his education and earned a degree in History from William Carey College. Throughout his life, he remained active in his community, serving as a substitute teacher in the Raleigh School System, coaching Little League baseball, and faithfully serving as a Deacon at First Baptist Church of Raleigh.

One of Joe’s greatest passions was woodworking. He possessed a remarkable talent for creating handcrafted treasures that will be enjoyed by family and friends for generations. Among his many creations were a life-sized three-car train that children could ride, miniature train sets, Christmas decorations, cedar chests, swing sets, baby cradles, and countless other projects crafted with patience, skill, and love.

Whether attending a ball game, building a cradle for a grandchild, serving his church, or helping a neighbor, Joe demonstrated his love through quiet acts of service and unwavering devotion to those around him.

Joe was a proud father to three children: Elaine Husband of Raleigh, Mississippi; Joey Husband (Hope Husband) of Sumrall, Mississippi; and Zack Husband of Sumrall, Mississippi.

Being a grandfather was one of his greatest joys. He was the devoted grandfather of Alexis Breanna Husband, Austin Thomas Husband, and Ashleigh Anna Husband. He rarely missed a ball game, school activity, scouting event, or special occasion and took great pride in supporting each of his grandchildren. One of his proudest moments was being honored by Austin during his Eagle Scout achievement.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Dent and Cora Mae Husband, and his brothers, Bobby Husband and Gerald Husband.
He is survived by his beloved wife, Jimmie Sue Husband; his daughter, Elaine Husband; his sons, Joey Husband (Hope Husband) and Zack Husband; and his cherished grandchildren, Alexis Husband, Austin Husband, and Ashleigh Anna Husband. He is also survived by his sister, Helen Yates Benavides, and his brother, Gaddis “Bull” Yates, along with numerous extended family members and friends whose lives were enriched by knowing him.

Joe’s family never questioned his faith. He was a devoted follower of Jesus Christ, and they find comfort in knowing he is now in the presence of the Savior he faithfully served.

To know Joe was to love him. He never met a stranger, offered kindness freely, and leaves behind a legacy of faith, service, craftsmanship, and unconditional love.

Visitation will be held at Liberty Baptist Church, Sunday, June 7, 2026, from 1:00 p.m. until 3:00 p.m., with funeral services immediately following. Interment will follow at Liberty Baptist Church Cemetery
Pallbearers will be Joey Husband, Zack Husband, Austin Husband, David Husband, Gaddis “Uncle Bull” Yates, and Corey Bond.
Honorary Pallbearer: BoBo Bowen.

The family extends their heartfelt gratitude for the many prayers, acts of kindness, and support shown during Joe’s illness and passing.

His lessons, love, and example will remain in the hearts of those who knew him for generations to come.

Address

22 E 4th Avenue
Bay Springs, MS
39422

Telephone

(601) 764-2181

Website

http://www.colonialchapelbaysprings.com/

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