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Ellisville Funeral Home, 1204 Avenue B, Ellisville, MS (2026)

06/03/2026

Gwendolyn Faye Byrd

Gwendolyn Faye Byrd, age 84, of Sandersville, Mississippi, passed away on June 3, 2026.
Born on November 24, 1941, in Laurel, Mississippi, she was the daughter of Frank and Inez Poore of Sharon.

Faye graduated from Sharon High School in 1959 and married the love of her life, Howard "Doonie" Byrd, in 1960. Together they built a life centered on faith, family, and service to others.

For 25 years, Faye served the children of Jones County as a school bus driver. After her retirement from the school district, she worked at McRae's in Laurel, where she enjoyed meeting and helping others.

Faye and her husband were founding members of Faith Chapel Church in Laurel, where they faithfully served their community. Later in life, she became a devoted member of Bethel Baptist Church in Heidelberg, where she served as a Sunday School teacher and choir leader. Her strong faith guided every aspect of her life and was evident in her love for family, church, and friends.

She found joy in singing, shopping with her sisters and friends, and spending time playing games and working puzzles. More than anything, she treasured her family and the many memories they shared together.

Faye was preceded in death by her husband, Howard "Doonie" Byrd; her son, Randy Byrd; and her parents, Frank and Inez Poore.

She is survived by her daughter, Tammy Roberts; her son, Eric Byrd (Stacey); her grandchildren, Heather Doss (Greg), James Byrd (Amber), Caleb Byrd (Laken), Tyler Byrd (Audrey), Emily Byrd, and Annie Byrd; her great-grandchildren, Brayden Doss (Shanna), Molly Dyess (Daylan), Levi Byrd, Avery Byrd, and Bowen Byrd; and her great-great-grandchildren, Wesslyn Dyess, Brooks Dyess, and Della Doss. She also leaves behind many beloved extended family members and friends who will cherish her memory.

Visitation will be held at Ellisville Funeral Home on Friday, June 5, 2026, beginning at 9:00 a.m., with the funeral service to follow at 10:00 a.m. Burial will be at Faith Chapel Church in Laurel. Bro. Wayne Johnson will officiate.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to the nurses and staff of Jones County Rest Home for the compassionate care they provided. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to The Least of These Animal Rescue or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.

Faye will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who knew and loved her. Her legacy of faith, kindness, and devotion to family will continue to live on in the hearts of those she leaves behind.

05/29/2026

April Renee Roddey, 56, of Laurel, Mississippi, passed away Wednesday, May 27, 2026, at West Carroll Memorial Hospital Oak Grove, Louisiana. She was born Sunday, April 26, 1970, in Vicksburg, Mississippi.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, June 6, 2026, from 12:00 PM until 1:30 PM at the Ellisville Funeral Home, 1204 B Avenue, Ellisville, Mississippi. Funeral Services will be held Saturday, June 6, 2026, at 1:30 PM at Ellisville Funeral Home and the Burial will follow in Pleasant Ridge Baptist Church Cemetery. Bro. Macon Phillips will officiate. Ellisville Funeral Home, (601) 477-3797, is in charge of arrangements.

Renee was a devoted nurse and later pursued her degree to become a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist. She was a long time faithful member to the Mississippi and Pine Belt Legal Professional Associations. She was a kind, generous, compassionate and loving person and a friend to all.

Renee was preceded in death by Edward Robert Roddey (Father), Jamie Phillips Roddey (Mother), grandparents James F. Phillips “POPS” and Mayzelle Taylor Phillips “MAWMAW”, Christine Moss Roddey.

Survivors include Sheila (Doug) Van Fleet (Sister), nephews James and Jesse Van Fleet, stepmother Tresia Roddey, fur babies, Zoey and Sadie, a host of aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.

Pallbearers will be Luther Odell Roddey Jr., Trey Roddey, Edward Roddey, Joseph McCollum, Jason Phillips, Jimmy Roddey, Mason Williamson, Dillon Williamson.

Honorary pallbearers will be. Richie Dearman, David Gomez, Joey Gomez, Chris Roddey, Macon Phillips, Jeremy Van Fleet, Ruby Roddey, James Van Fleet and Jesse Van Fleet.

In Lieu of Flowers donations can be made to the charity of your choice.

Online guestbook may be signed at www.ellisvillefuneralhome.com

05/29/2026

Micheal Ray Davis "Kowboy” age 53, died unexpectedly at South Central Regional Medical Center on May 20, 2026, in Laurel, MS.

Micheal was born on September 24, 1972, in Tarrant County, Texas to William and Yvona Davis. Micheal "Kowboy" was loved by many people and will be greatly missed. He was a loving husband, a caring father, and a loyal friend. He was steady and willing to help anyone.

He is received in Heaven by his mother and father, grandparents, cousins, and a few fellow bull riding buddies.

He left behind his wife S. Rene'e Davis, his children Sarah, Rae (Josh), Tyler (Dory), and Maranda (Victor). Grandchildren John, Colton, Ayla, Raeanna, Caroline, Aubrey, Breleigh, Johnny, and Junier. Brothers Ricky Box (Betty) and W***y Davis (Johnnie). Sisters Cindy, Shawna (Cricket) and Samantha. And many others called him dad and pawpaw. Along with many cousins and others who considered him family.

See you later “Kowboy” We love you

05/23/2026

Yahir Valiente-Alba
Ellisville, MississippiNacido: 20 de enero de 2010 — Hattiesburg, MississippiFallecido: 18 de mayo de 2026Hijo mío, perderte deja un espacio en mi corazón que solo tú podrías llenar. Tu rostro y tu voz estarán para siempre en mis pensamientos. Te amo con el alma, en vida y aun en la muerte. Te fuiste y una parte de mí se fue contigo, amor de mi vida. El dolor de extrañarte es insoportable. Aunque hoy no puedo acariciarte, hijo mío, recibe las caricias del Señor que estás disfrutando.Tú sigue volando alto, mi ángel, que yo aquí honraré el haber podido conocer y ser parte de una persona maravillosa como tú. Te amo por siempre y para siempre, amor de mi vida. Fuiste llevado demasiado pronto y serás profundamente extrañado por todos los que te conocieron y te amaron.Fuiste un hijo, hermano, familiar y amigo amoroso, cuya presencia trajo fuerzas, risas y amor a quienes lo rodeaban. Será recordado por su amabilidad, su carisma y su sentido del humor.A Yahir le encantaba pescar, pasar tiempo en familia y con amigos, y le encantaba jugar al fútbol. Era apasionado, era un niño que amaba a Dios, y los recuerdos que creó con sus seres queridos nunca se olvidarán.La vida de Yahir se vio trágicamente truncada tras un incidente en un zanja cerca de la gasolinera de Texaco. Aunque su fallecimiento fue inesperado, el amor que dio y el impacto que dejó permanecerán para siempre en los corazones de quienes lo conocieron.Descansa en paz, hijo.SERVICIOS FÚNEBRESMartes, 26 de mayo de 2026 visitación 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM 302 E Holly St, Ellisville, MS 39437 First Baptist ChurchMiércoles, 27 de mayo de 2026 Visitación: 10:00 AM Misa de cuerpo presente: 11:00 AM Terminando la misa, traslado al cementerio Ellisville Cemetery Camelia Dr, Ellisville, MS 39437Para los que gustan acompañarnos: Agradecemos su presencia, pero les pedimos por favor respeto a nuestro dolor. No teléfonos ni mucho menos grabar nada. Les agradecemos el respeto y gracias.

Yahir Valiente-AlbaEllisville, MississippiBorn: January 20, 2010 – Hattiesburg, MississippiPassed: May 18, 2026My son — losing you leaves a space in my heart that only you could fill. Your face and your voice will forever be in my thoughts. I love you with my soul, in life and even in death. You left, and a part of me went with you, love of my life. The pain of missing you is unbearable. Although today I cannot hold you, my son, receive the caresses of the Lord who is already pampering you.Keep soaring high, my angel. I will honor having been able to know you and be part of such a wonderful person as you were. I love you forever and always, love of my life. You were taken far too soon and will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved you.You were a son, brother, family member, and loving friend whose presence brought strength, laughter, and love to those around you. He will be remembered for his kindness, his charisma, and his sense of humor.Yahir loved to fish and spend time with family and friends. He loved to play soccer, was a passionate young man, a boy who loved God, and the memories he created with his loved ones will never be forgotten.Yahir’s life was tragically cut short following an incident in a ditch near the Texaco gas station. Although his passing was unexpected, the love he gave and the impact he left will remain forever in the hearts of those who knew him.Rest in peace, son.Services Tuesday, May 26, 2026 Open Service and Visitation 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM 302 E. Holly St., Ellisville, MS 39437 First Baptist ChurchWednesday, May 27, 2026 Visitation at Immaculate conception catholic church in Laurel, MS 10:00 AM Mass with Body Present: 11:00 AM Graveside service to follow at: Ellisville Cemetery Camelia Dr., Ellisville, MS 39437For those who wish to join us: we appreciate your presence, but ask that you please respect our grief. No cell phones and absolutely no recording of any kind. We thank you for your respect. Thank you.

05/21/2026

Gatha Gail Purvis, 84 of Ellisville, who passed away on Thursday, May 20, 2026, at the St. Tammany Hospital in Covington, Louisiana.

Gaye was born on October 20, 1941, in Jones County, Mississippi to James and Lillian Rayner. She was one of four children born to the marriage. Gaye was a homemaker who loved traveling with her husband, Gene, throughout the United States as he worked in the natural gas pipeline industry. She was a very dedicated Christian who loved the Lord and her Christian walk was evident throughout her life with everyone she met.

Gaye was a loving daughter, wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and sister. She enjoyed being with her family, during the holidays, especially during Christmas time making everyone’s favorite candies. Her favorite past times included riding the grands and great grands on the four-wheeler, taking them to throw rocks in the water, and playing any sport or game in the front yard. Gaye loved those “WHO DAT” Saints!!!! She loved going to the Super Dome as well as watching them from home on Sundays, while texting and calling her sons throughout the game as well as a phone call at the end with a big “WHOOO HOOOO!” Gaye was well known for her infectious laughter and her big bright smile!!! She loved BIG and anyone blessed to know her knew that! Gaye ended everyday before bedtime texting her sons “Night Night sweet baby mama loves you”.

She was preceded in death by her parents, James and Lillian Rayner, a sister Mary Burnett and a brother Lavelle Rayner.

Survivors include her husband of 65 years, Von Gene Purvis, her two sons Rocky Jay Purvis (Karen) of Ellisville and Stoney Jay Purvis (Rhonda) of Collins; a sister Betty Jones; 5 grandchildren, Kala Carpenter (Blaine), Kami Purvis (Zach), Rocky Purvis II (Ashley), Pebbles Counts (Tyler), and Toni Brooke Purvis (Sam); twelve great-grandchildren, and a host of nieces and nephews.

The family will receive friends on Saturday, May 23, 2026, from 12:00PM till 2:00PM at Ellisville Funeral Home located in Ellisville, MS. Funeral services will follow at 2:00PM at the same location. Burial will take place at Pine Grove Cemetery in Ellisville; MS. Reverend Troy Rayner will officiate the service.

Pallbearers will be Dr. Adam Purvis, Allen Purvis, Chris Purvis, Troy Jones, Jimmy Rayner and Tim Rayner.

Honorary Pallbearers will be Bill Purvis, Ray Purvis, Sammy Vaun Johnson, Phillip Purvis Sr., Dene Purvis and Tim Purvis.

05/20/2026

Jason Douglas Wade, of Soso, Mississippi, passed away on Thursday, May 14, 2026, at his residence. Born on Friday, June 20, 1980, in Jones County, Mississippi, Jason lived a fulfilling life. Jason was a mechanic who spent years doing what he loved. He leaves behind a legacy of hard work, a deep passion for what he did, and lasting memories shared with a community of people and family who loved him and trusted in the quality of his work.

He is preceded in death by his father; Douglas Ellis Wade, Mawmaw; Iva Loy Rainey, Uncle; Wayne Rainey, Grandmother and Grandfather; Vela and Jesse King.

He is survived by his daughter Olivia Foster (Tyler), son; J.D. Wade, Mother; Velma Wade, Sister; Debbie Wade, Niece; Ava Bankston and a host of friends and family.

A Memorial Service will be held at a later date.

05/18/2026

Harlon R. Phillips, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, and master craftsman, passed away peacefully on May 16, 2026, at the age of 76 in Ellisville, Mississippi. Born on February 16, 1950, in Jones County, MS, Harlon spent his life deeply rooted in the community he loved and served.

Harlon was a dedicated family man, survived by his wife of 39 years, Joan Phillips. He also leaves behind a loving step-daughter, Teresa Cain (Victor) of Vicksburg, MS; grandsons Thomas Tarver (Michaela) of Vicksburg, MS, and Ryan Phillips (Jessica) of Ellisville, MS; granddaughter Samantha Tarver of Spokane, WA; and four cherished great-grandchildren. Harlon’s close-knit family circle includes his brothers Harvey Phillips (Diane), Paul Phillips (Joan), Michael Phillips (Gina), and his sisters Lynn Herrington (Terry) and Janet Smith (Randy), along with numerous nieces and nephews who will fondly remember his warmth and generosity.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Hartley and Marie Phillips, as well as his son, Russell Phillips, and daughter, Lona Johnson.

Professionally, Harlon followed in the footsteps of his father as a respected building contractor, renowned for constructing many beautiful homes in Jones County. His expertise extended beyond construction; he was a skilled master electrician, committed to his trade and craftsmanship. A passionate enthusiast of antique muscle cars, Harlon took immense pride in restoring his famous 1967 Super Sport Chevelle, pouring his heart and talent into every project. His leadership was evident as the First President of the Magnolia Cruisers Car Club, where he shared his enthusiasm and expertise with fellow car lovers.

Family and friends are invited to gather in remembrance and celebration of Harlon’s life on Wednesday, May 20, 2026, at Ellisville Funeral Home, located at 1204 B Avenue, Ellisville, Mississippi. Visitation will be held from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM, followed by funeral services at 2:00 PM with Dr. Greg Spencer officiating. Interment will take place at Pleasant Ridge Baptist Church Cemetery.

Pallbearers honoring Harlon’s memory will be Jason Phillips, Brad Murray, Michael Keene, Mark Munn, Gerald Gilbert, and Lanis Walters.

Harlon R. Phillips will be remembered for his unwavering dedication to his family, his skilled craftsmanship, and the pride he took in both his work and his hobbies. His legacy endures in the homes he built, the cars he restored, and the hearts of those who knew and loved him.

Special thanks to Wanda and Robert Fennell for your help with Harlon the night he passed away.

05/18/2026

Paul E. Trice, 88, of Laurel, MS, passed away peacefully on Sunday May 17, 2026 at St. Dominics Hospital in Jackson, MS. He was born on July 26, 1937 in Webster County, Kentucky.

Paul was a 50 year member of the Masonic Lodge. He was a strong willed Kentuckian. He was a Baptist by faith. He was a mentor to all that knew him. He loved people and everyone loved him. He was known for being the Mayor of his neighborhood and could be seen patrolling in his red golf cart.

Paul was preceded in death by his parents, Finis and Bernice Trice; son, Steve Trice; brothers, Roy Trice, Howard Trice, Jerry Trice and sisters, Frances Trice and Sue Ligon.

He is survived by her loving wife, Mary Ann Trice; son Ben Barry (Ruth); daughter, Paula Holt (Eddie); grandchildren, Tim Trice (Megan), Laci Blue (Daniel), Jacob Holt (Devin), Hunter Barry (Karlie), Hannah Barry; great-grandchildren, Harper Trice, Zoe Trice, Caitlyn Blue, Kelsey Blue; brother, James Trice (Connie); sisters, Sandra Clayton (Barry), Janice Anderson; daughter-in-law, Paula Trice and mother of his children, Lois Trice, special friends, Sherri Crane, June Hannah, Jean Todd, Gene Hudson, and the Crocker family.

A Graveside service will be held on Friday May 22, 2026 at Hickory Grove Cemetery, Laurel, Mississippi, at 10:00AM with burial to follow. Arrangements are under the care of Ellisville Funeral Home.
Pallbearers will be Ben Barry, Hunter Barry, Eddie Holt, Jacob Holt, Dr. Chad Harris, and Jim Conn.

05/18/2026

Billie Jean Langley, 91, of Taylorsville, Mississippi, passed away Saturday, May 16, 2026, in Mendenhall, Mississippi. She was born July 23, 1934, in Crottstown, Mississippi.

Billie was deeply loved and cherished by her family and friends, and her absence will forever be felt. She will be sadly missed and will always hold a special place in the hearts of those who knew and loved her. Billie was devoted to her faith in the Lord and touched everyone she knew with His Word.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Marion and Celia Pitts; daughters, Felecia Langley Glisson and Pamela Langley Johnson; sons, Jerry N. Langley and Jeffery A. Langley; grandson, Ryan Paul Langley; and all 11of her brothers and sisters.

Survivors include her sons, Harold Gene Langley (Leslie) and Dennis Langley (Margaret); daughter, Sheila Langley Seripin (Mike); as well as many grandchildren and great-grandchildren and great-great grandchildren who loved her dearly.

Pallbearers will be family members and close friends.

Visitation will be held Tuesday, May 19, 2026, from 2:00 pm until 3:00 pm at Mt. Moriah Baptist Church, 1164 Old Highway 15 S, Ellisville, MS. Funeral services will follow at 3:00 pm at the church. Burial will follow in Mt. Moriah Baptist Church Cemetery at the church. Brother Gary Roberts and Brother Ray Matthews will officiate. Ellisville Funeral Home oversees arrangements. For additional information, call 601-477-3797. An online guestbook may be signed at Ellisville Funeral Home.

05/07/2026

Kathryn K. Mapp, of Ellisville, Mississippi, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, May 6, 2026, at her residence. She was born on May 2, 1939, in Jones County, Mississippi, Kathryn lived a long and fulfilling life.

She is preceded in death by her husband David Mapp, parents, Roland and Alma Sellers.

She is survived by her daughters; Beverly Hammond and Sandy Smith son; Richard Mapp (San-dra), grandchildren; Erica Smith and Heather Smith.

Graveside will be held Friday, May 8, 2026, at 3:00PM at Mt. Zion Cemetery in Ellisville, MS. Burial will follow in Mt. Zion Cemetery in Ellisville, Mississippi. Ellisville Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

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