Southern Funeral Chapel

10/21/2026

Southern Funeral Home of Houston, along with Pryor Funeral Home of Calhoun City is proud to announce that Charley Davis has joined our family as Sales and Marketing Manager. Charley is a 1991 graduate of Vardaman High School, and he is the son of Carolyn Davis and the late Bill Davis of Vardaman. Charley has worked for 30 plus years in the medical field around the Memphis area, but is excited about this new role so he can serve the people and the community that he loves so much. Please join us in welcoming Charley to the Pryor/Southern family, and reach out anytime with questions about our services, insurance, pre-need arrangements, and financing options.
Charley’s cell # is 901-489-3793

10/19/2026

Vicki Naron
Houston-In loving memory of Vicki Naron, who peacefully departed this world on October 16, 2026, after a sudden brief illness. Born on January 1, 1954, in the charming town of Houston, Mississippi, Vicki lived a life full of compassion, love, and unwavering dedication to her family and friends.

Vicki was the beloved daughter of the late John E and Peggy Pumphrey Naron. Preceding her in death were her cherished parents, her stillborn baby son, her brother Robert Keith Naron, her devoted friends Connie Nichols and Anne Chrestman, and her last husband, Jim Moorhead. She leaves behind a loving family, including her daughter Nikki Moore Springer of Houston and her son Brian Clark, along with his wife Mimi, from Maben.

Vicki was a proud and doting grandmother to ShiAnna Moore, who blessed her with three great-grandchildren, Brentley, Nash, and Jamie, of Houston. Her grandson Joshua Mayhall, with his wife Lexus, resides in Red Bay, Alabama. Vicki also cherished her grandson Gunnar Moore, his wife Anna Claire, and their son Jarred, of Houston. Kerrigan Scott and her husband Collin, who are eagerly awaiting the arrival of their daughter in Alabama, were a source of great joy for Vicki, as was her grandson Cohen Clark and his partner Brianna, of Maben.

Vicki was also survived by her devoted siblings: two sisters, Tammy Johnson (Clay) and Kim Alexander (Michael) of Houston, and two brothers, Chuckie Naron (Wanda) of Bryan, Texas, and Nathan Naron (Pam) of Houston, Mississippi. Her family was her pride and joy, and she cherished each moment spent with them.

Vicki's early years of education took place in Houston, where she attended the local school before pursuing her dream of becoming a beautician at Jeffie Lyles Academy in Oxford, Mississippi, in 1985. Her career path led her through many years at Shannon and Pep factories in Houston, before she found her true calling as a beautician. Vicki's last professional chapter was at MasterCuts in the Mall at Barnes Crossing, Tupelo, Mississippi, where she delighted in serving her clients, many of whom became dear friends.

Throughout her life, Vicki harbored a passion for crochet, puzzles, and above all, spending time with her loved ones. Her later years were beautifully spent in the company of her mother, sharing treasured moments shopping and enjoying the simple pleasures of life. Her grandchildren and great-grandchildren were her world; she reveled in watching them grow and took great joy in showering them with love and affection.

Vicki will be remembered as a woman of profound kindness and generosity. She was always ready to extend a helping hand to those in need, often putting others' needs before her own. Her warmth and compassion were felt by all who knew her, from family to clients, throughout her years working in factories and salons.

Vicki's memory will forever be cherished by her family and friends. Her legacy of love, kindness, and generosity will continue to inspire all who had the privilege of knowing her.

Southern Funeral Home of Houston is honored to serve Vicki's family.

The family will hold a memorial service celebrating Vicki's life on Sunday, October 25, 2026 at 2:00 at Thorn Community Center. All friends and family are invited to attend.

In honor of Vicki's life and legacy, her family kindly requests that, in lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the funeral home to help cover expenses. Her family finds solace in knowing that Vicki's spirit of giving continues even in her absence.

Online condolences may be left www.southernfuneralchapel.com

10/19/2026

James Bowman
Holly Springs-James Arie Bowman, 78, passed away at his home in Holly Springs. Born November 17, 1947, in Tennessee, he was the son of the late James Pilmer Bowman and the late Edus McCowan Bowman. James worked as a carpenter, and owned his own cabinetry business for many years; he was truly gifted. James was a family man at heart. He loved his wife, Patricia, so very much, and they did everything together. They loved to travel all across the United States in their camper and spend time together. He loved his in-laws like they were his own siblings. He was a lover of old country music, and some of his favorite singers were Tom T. Hall, Hank Williams, and Merle Haggard. In his free time, he enjoyed playing shuffleboard and darts and hanging out with his friends. James was loved deeply by those who knew him, and they will forever cherish their memories in their hearts.

A private family graveside service was held on Friday, October 16, 2026 at Ellzey Cemetery in Vardaman. A public memorial service will be held at a later date, and will be announced when dates and times are finalized.

Southern Funeral Home has the honor of serving the Bowman family.

James is survived by his sons, Jason Bowman (Shelli) of Albuquerque, New Mexico, Tony Samuell (Linda) of Southaven, Lee Samuel of Kentucky, and Robert Samuell of Lamar; daughters, Jenny Bowman (Doug) of Olive Branch and Christina Bowman of Lamar; grandchildren, Alyson Bowman, Brock Waddell, Jacey Waddell, Brayden Compton, Kason Compton, Jesse Mills, Jr (Mikayla), Memorie Darnell (Kyle), Kayla Samuell, Kristen Barefield (Daryl), Robert Samuel, Jr, Daphne Noto (Paul), and David Siddon; a host of great-grandchildren; and sisters-in-law, Marcy Alford (Rodney) and Benita Green (Charles).

He was preceded in death by his parents, James and Edus McCowan; wife Patricia Bowman; brothers, Arzo Robbins and Mayron Robbins; sister, Reba Cooper; granddaughter, Jessica Bowman; and brother-in-law, Mitchell Williams.

Expressions of sympathy may left for the family at

Southern Funeral Home, Inc. Welcomes You. Since 1987, Southern Funeral Home, Inc. has provided dedicated and compassionate care to families of Houston, Mississippi and surrounding communities. Our funeral home offers a range of personalized services for families to honor their loved ones and remembe

10/12/2026

Ronald Easley
Houlka-Ronald Lee Easley, Sr., 79, passed away at North Mississippi Medical Center in Tupelo on Friday, October 9, 2026. Born January 10, 1947, in Houston, he was the son of the late Fletcher Easley and the late Annie Lois O’Barr Easley. Ron attended Itawamba Community College and earned his associate’s degree in criminal justice. He then went on to begin his career as a police officer, working for Houston and Houlka Police Departments, for over 25 years, serving until his retirement. Ron served his country in United States Army during the Vietnam conflict. He was drafted and was proudly deployed to Vietnam. One of his favorite hobbies was fishing, and he went any time he was able to go. Family was a very important part of Ron’s life. He loved his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren with all his heart.
A private family graveside service will be held at Wesley Chapel Cemetery in Houston, with Bro. Linn Hughes officiating.
Southern Funeral Home has the honor of serving the Easley family.
Ron is survived by his wife, Kathy Easley of Houlka; son, Ronald Lee Easley, Jr. of Houlka; daughters, Amy Watkins (Freddie) of Houlka and Leigh Ann Cooper of Houlka; and a host of grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Fletcher and Annie Lois Easley.
Expressions of sympathy may be left for the family at

Southern Funeral Home, Inc. Welcomes You. Since 1987, Southern Funeral Home, Inc. has provided dedicated and compassionate care to families of Houston, Mississippi and surrounding communities. Our funeral home offers a range of personalized services for families to honor their loved ones and remembe

10/10/2026

Lovie Ruth Alexander
Houston-Surrounded by the love of her family and sustained by her faith, Lovie Ruth Alexander, 93, entered into the presence of Jesus on Thursday morning, October 8, 2026.

Lovie Ruth was born to loving parents, Ernest McCown and Martha Dollar McCown, in Tippah County, Mississippi on July 15, 1933. Ernest and Martha, both widowed, were married in 1931 blending their families and bringing together six children. Two years later, they welcomed Lovie Ruth, the cherished and only child born of their union.

She graduated from Houston High School in 1952 and entered nursing training at Greenwood LeFlore Hospital. After earning a diploma in nursing, she practiced as a registered nurse for over sixty years, first working at St. Mary’s Hospital in Roswell, New Mexico. She returned to Mississippi where she met and married John Joseph Alexander, Sr., a student at Delta State and an Airman in the Air Force.

They married on February 21, 1959, and were married for forty-one years before John’s death on May 11, 2000. She and John farmed together, traveled together, and lovingly raised three children together on their 300-acre farm in Houston.
Lovie Ruth primarily worked at the Houston Hospital in the emergency room and was the head nurse in the operating room. She thrived in the nursing profession where she worked with Dr. John Dyer and was a member of a small group of nurses nicknamed “Dyer’s Girls” which included Beatrice Oswalt, LPN, Mary Evelyn Andrews, LPN, Shirley Kendall, LPN, Neva Edwards, LPN, Carolyn Davis, LPN, Sarah Norris, LPN, and Vivian Ellison, RN. Dyer’s Girls were on call 24-7 and quickly responded to calls for emergency surgeries or automobile accidents. Lovie Ruth’s children, while talking on the family’s phone, would occasionally be interrupted by the telephone operator with an “emergency call for Ruth Alexander.”

Lovie Ruth also enjoyed working with labor and delivery patients. Houston residents often approached Lovie Ruth while she was shopping or dining out to share stories of her having been their nurse or their mother’s nurse during a delivery. She even had the delight of delivering her great-niece, Mary Jon Fleming Rea. Lovie Ruth truly cared for her patients and never met a stranger.

Following the death of her husband, Lovie Ruth began traveling annually to Tegucigalpa, Honduras and the Valley of the Angels with Harrisburg Baptist Church where she provided nursing care to impoverished residents of the region. On one of her trips, she lovingly cared for a grieving young mother who tragically lost her son. When Lovie Ruth returned to Honduras the following year, she learned that not only had the young mother welcomed a new baby girl but, much to Lovie Ruth’s surprise, the young mother had named the child Mary Ruth, after the American nurse who had so lovingly cared for her during her time of grief. Lovie Ruth was so touched that she financially supported the child until adulthood.

She was known for her resilience, generosity and kindness to humans and animals alike. Lovie Ruth especially enjoyed cooking and baking for her family. She had a fun-loving, warm, and humorous personality. Also, she would not miss an opportunity to share the gospel of Jesus to friends and strangers alike. Even at her advanced age, she made new friends almost daily while cherishing her longtime friends. She was a life-long, faithful, and encouraging member of Arbor Grove Baptist Church. She dearly loved her church family.

Lovie Ruth was preceded in death by her husband, John Joseph Alexander, Sr.; her brother Neil McCown; and her sisters, Juanita Cross, Johnnie Weaver, Lou Ella Moser, Jamie Melvin, and Elizabeth McCown.

Lovie Ruth is survived by her children John Joseph Alexander, Jr. (Beth) of Winona, Dianna Sutton (Rick) of Pearl, and Tim Alexander (Jima) of Tupelo; her grandchildren Allison Magee (Robert), Alex Grubbs (Bonnie), Jordan Alexander (Elise), Bethany Scott (Eli), Hannah Alexander (fiancé, Hunter), Brant Alexander (Dana), and Jason Alexander; and her nine great-grandchildren Avery, Mallory and Will Magee, Jamie, Everett, and Charlie Grubbs, Henry and Peter Scott, and Hattie Alexander. Lovie Ruth is also survived by herspecial niece, Marjorie Blissard (Joe) of Houston as well as many nieces and nephews.

The family will receive friends for visitation Monday, October 12, 2026, from 9:00 am until 11:00 am. The funeral service will be at 11:00 am with a graveside service following. Both will be held at Arbor Grove Baptist Church 883 County Road 93, Houston, MS.

Southern Funeral Home of Houston is honored to serve the Alexander family during this difficult time.

Online condolences may be left at www.southernfuneralchapel.com

09/16/2026

Vicki Ivy
Houston-With hearts that are completely shattered, our family shares the sudden passing of Vicki Sue Ivy, who left this life on September 1, 2026.
There are some people whose absence simply cannot be put into words, and Vicki is one of those people. She was a daughter, a sister, a mother, a Nana, an aunt, a friend, and so much more. She was a special soul who was deeply loved and losing her so suddenly has left a place in our family that can never truly be filled.
Vicki was the beloved daughter of Betty Sue Ivy and the late Joseph Alton Ivy, Sr. She shared the bonds of family and a lifetime of memories with her siblings, Joseph Alton Ivy, Jr. James Lovett Ivy, Melissa Ann Ivy Hall (Jackie Hall), Randy Ivy, and Suzie Ivy.
Above everything else, Vicki loved her family fiercely. Her children, Andrea Brook Ivy and Justin Ray Ivy (Raven Ivy), were a tremendous part of her heart and her life. She also loved Emily Thompson Trahan (Joe Trahan) as her “extra-special daughter-in-love”, welcoming her into her heart as family.
But there was something especially beautiful about Vicki being Nana. Her grandchildren-Mario Harrell, Jr., Jasper Ray Harrell, Dawson Lee Ivy, Elijah Ray Ivy, Revna Raelene Ivy, and Aurora Gra Ivy-completely adored her. They brought her the kind of happiness that only grandchildren can bring, and the love she had for them was immeasurable. They will grow up carrying pieces of their Nana with them in the stories they hear, the memories they hold, and the love she gave them.
Vicki was also a much-loved aunt to Stacy Ann Hammett, Ashley Ann Ivy, Jacqueline Dawn Hall Perry (Daniel Perry), and Anna Grace Nevaeh Hall, and she loved her great-nieces and nephews, Matthew Scott Caples, Madison Gabrielle Hammett, Jaxon Gaige Perry, and Isaiah Dwayne Shannon.
Those who truly knew Vicki knew that she appreciated the simple things. She enjoyed her peace and quite and was perfectly content in the comfort of her own space. She loved collecting antiques, and it really did not matter what the antique was-if something caught her eye or had a little history behind it, she could find something special about it.
She loved music, especially Jelly Roll, and those familiar songs will forever bring memories of her rushing back.
Vicki also love her dog, Red, who was more than simply a pet. Red was her companion, part of her everyday life, and another little piece of the home and life she loved.
Vicki was a Christian, and although our hearts struggle to understand why we had to lose her so suddenly, we find comfort in her faith and in believing that this goodbye is not forever.
She was preceded in death by her father, Joseph Alton Ivy, Sr., her grandmother, Mamaw Scott; her best friend, Shelia Gann; and loved ones Patricia Ann Scott, Mildred Gann, Katie Funderburk, and Frankie Smyly.
No obituary could ever completely explain what Vicki meant to the people who loved her. It cannot capture every laugh, every conversation, every memory, every family moment, or all the little things about her that we already miss.
We are completely shattered by the loss of our sister, our mother, our Nana, our aunt, and our family. We were not ready to say goodbye. The way this family loved her was fierce, and the way she will be missed is just as great.
Memorial services will be announced at a later date.
Southern Funeral Home of Houston is honored to serve the Ivy family.
Online condolences may be left at www.southernfuneralchapel.com

09/14/2026

Dale Tallant
Houston-Dale Austin Tallant, 70, of Houston, Ms, passed away at North Mississippi Medical Center in Tupelo, Ms on Thursday, September 10, 2026. He was born on September 9, 1956 in Phoenix Arizona to William Franklin Tallant, and Nettie Belle Burgess-Tallant. He was a member of Bent Knee Community Church.

Dale spent his working life as a truck driver, but it was more than just a career, it was a passion. In his free time, he would often find himself on open-ended road trips due to his intense love of traveling the open road.

He took pride in raising his three girls, but his greatest joy was spending time with his grandchildren, whether it was being the biggest instigator, watching their favorite cartoons, or introducing them to his favorite movies, he found happiness in it all. He was a beloved “Grandpa” to some, and “Grand-Pappy” to others.

Dale was a resident of Arizona most of his life, and enjoyed the Arizona heat so much that he refused to fix his air conditioning in his red Nissan until he was 63 years old. He also enjoyed the saguaro cacti, and the beauty of the Arizona desert.

He was a United States Army veteran and had an affinity for bald eagles, American flags, was a movie connoisseur, and held deep pride in his patriotism.

In October, 2025, Dale relocated to Houston, Ms, where he accpted the Lord as his Savior, and became a member of Bent Knee Community Church. He wasn’t just a member though, he was the church “Grandpa” with an assigned seat until the Lord called him home!

He will be remembered by his loved ones as a dedicated father, brother, uncle, grandpa, grandpappy, and cousin with an incomparable work ethic and tenacity for life.

Dale is survived by his three daughters, Kristina “Kristi Jo” Cunningham of Hopkinsville, Ky, Carmen Cunningham (Nick) of Houston, Ms, Samantha Betancourt (Efrain Jr.) of Surprise, Az; his grandchildren: SirinitiSkyy Jurek, Thomas Austin Torres, Alexander Dukes, Payton Torres, Shelby Cunningham, Alexis “Peanut” Cunningham, Aleigha Cunningham, Ray Cunningham, Efrain Betancourt III “E3”, Eleanor Betancourt, Emilia Betancourt, Evelyn Betancourt, and Enzo Betancourt; HIs great-grandchildren: Clayton Jurek and Octavia Jurek; his sisters Barbara Zafiris of Sun City, Az, and Lynda Tallant of Heber-Overguard, Az as well as a host of cousins, nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents: William Franklin Tallant and Nettie Belle Burgess-Tallant; and siblings: Ruby Fortin, James Melvin Tallant, William Larry “Bill” Tallant, Shirley Wilson, Sherman Tallant, and Carmen Tallant.

Southern Funeral Chapel is proud to serve Dale’s family. A memorial service celebrating his life will be held on Wednesday September 16, 2026 at 6pm at Bent Knee Community Church Located at 317 Main Street in Houlka, Ms. The service will be officiated by Bro. Jacob Samuel. Family visitation will begin at 5pm until 6 memorial service will follow at 6pm.

Online condolences may be left at www.southernfuneralchapel.com

09/02/2026

Patricia Lewis
Okolona-Patricia Kay Griggs Lewis, 70, passed away at her home on Monday, August 31, 2026. She was born in Okolona on February 11, 1956 to Alvie “Bunt” Griggs, Jr. and Rachel Sullivan Griggs. She was a faithful member of Egypt Baptist Church.
Patricia spent most of her life in the Okolona area and attended Okolona Public Schools. She married the love of her life on January 20, 1973 and they had 50 loving years together before his death in 2023. Her faith and her family were the most important things in life to her. She found great joy in spending time with her grandchildren. They knew they could visit “MawMaw Pat” and find unwavering love and snacks. She was also devoted to her numerous cats and took great care of them. When she was able, Patricia enjoyed being outdoors and would have a large garden each year. She was often described as “the sweetest woman” and never met a stranger. She leaves behind a legacy of love and kindness that will continue to live on in the hearts of her family.
Southern Funeral Home of Houston is honored to serve Patricia’s family.
A memorial service celebrating her life will be held on Thursday, September 10, 2026 at 2:00 at Southern Funeral Home. Officiating will be Bro. Danny Owens. Visitation will begin at 12:00 until service time at 2:00 on Thursday, September 10 at the funeral home.
She is survived by her daughter, Lisa (Tony) Hill of Houston; her mother Rachel Griggs of Okolona; her brothers, Marvin (Madrin) Griggs of Okolona and Clint (Becky) Griggs of Grenada; her grandchildren, Christopher (Mariah), Dylan (Lynzy), Brandon, Katherine (Kylie), Dawson (Lexie), Nick, Mikayla, Kyrsten, and Amanda; her great-grandchildren, Payson, Jase, Charlie Kate, Scottlyn, Weston, Re*****on, River, and Josie; her son-in-law, Doug Harris; and a host of nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her father, Alvie “Bunt” Griggs, Jr, her husband, Eddie “Pete” Lewis; her daughter, April Harris; her brother, Rodney Griggs, and her grandson, Peyton Harris.

Online condolences for the family may be left at www.southernfuneralchapel.com

09/02/2026

Vicki Ivy
Houston-Vicki Sue Ivy, 59, passed away at her home in Houston on Tuesday, September 1, 2026.
Southern Funeral Home is honored to serve her family.
There will be no public services.
Please remember Vicki's family in your prayers.

Online condolences for the family may be left at

Southern Funeral Home, Inc. Welcomes You. Since 1987, Southern Funeral Home, Inc. has provided dedicated and compassionate care to families of Houston, Mississippi and surrounding communities. Our funeral home offers a range of personalized services for families to honor their loved ones and remembe