http://www.newtoncountyfuneralhome.com/

Newton County Funeral Home, 9998 Eastside Drive Ext. (Hwy 15 N) & 100 Old Hwy 15 Loop, Newton, MS (2026)

08/24/2026

Bernard Thomas Rigdon, age 91, passed away Sunday, August 23, 2026, at his home.

Funeral services will begin at 10:00 am, on Wednesday, August 26, 2026, at Newton County Funeral Home - North Chapel with Dr. Danny Lanier and Rev. Mark Vincent officiating. Burial will follow in the Newton County Memorial Gardens under the direction of Newton County Funeral Home.

Visitation will begin at 9:00 am on Wednesday at the funeral home.

Mr. Rigdon was native of Newton County and received his fundamental education in the local schools of County Line, Stratton and Union. He obtained his high school diploma during his enlistment in the United States Marine Corps, where he served four years. He returned home, and married Kate Lavender Rigdon before attending East Central Junior College, where he completed his training in electrical vocation. Mr. Rigdon was self-employed for several years before being employed by ESCO, Corp. of Newton, where he retired with over 30 years of service. Mr. Rigdon was a member of Clarke-Venable Baptist Church and the Masonic Oder, having affiliation with local lodges at Little Rock and Decatur. He was an avid hunter and fisherman. During his retirement years, he enjoyed the role of being "Papaw," to the grandchildren and "Uncle Bernard" to his nieces and nephews. He will be missed by his family and friends.

He was preceded in death by his wives, Kate Rigdon and Laura Mangum Rigdon; his parents, Alvin and Myrtle Langham Rigdon; his siblings, Jim Rigdon, Bobbie Jean Wilkerson, and Frances Henderson, and one great-grandchild, John Chattan Barrett.

Survivors include his wife of 20 years, Hazel Tindol Rigdon of Decatur; his daughter, Glenda Rigdon Barrett (Joe), and his son, Al Rigdon (Rynthia), both of Decatur; four grandchildren, Lauren Bennett (Brett), Kyle Barrett (Sarah), Katherine Watson (Josh), and Ethan Rigdon, and his fiancé, Autumn Wingfield; four great-grandchildren, Nash Barrett, Spencer Bennett, Tayton Rigdon, and Lukas Barrett; several nieces and nephews and other extended family members.

Pallbearers will be J.T. Rigdon, Johnny Rigdon, Dewayne Rigdon, Ethan Rigdon, Josh Watson, Brett Bennett, and Kyle Barrett.

Honorary Pallbearers will be Jason Mangum, Robert Mangum, Ricky Hyde, Julius Tindol, Austin Tindol, and Paul Frink.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project, 4899 Belfort Rd., Suite 300, Jacksonville, FL 32256, www.woundedwarriorproject.org.

Newton County Funeral Home, 9998 Hwy. 15 N., Newton, is in charge of arrangements.

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

08/24/2026

Bonnie Nell Rigdon Gibbon, a lifelong resident of Newton County, passed away at her home, on Sunday, August 23, 2026 at the age of 96.

Funeral services will begin at 12:00 pm, Tuesday, August 25, 2026 at Pleasant Ridge Missionary Baptist Church at Hickory with burial to follow in the Pleasant Ridge Baptist Cemetery under the direction of Newton County Funeral Home.

Visitation will begin at 10:30 am and continue until service time at the church on Tuesday.

Bro. Victor Bugg, Bro. Sam Oglesby, and Bro. Danny Lanier will officiate.

Mrs. Gibbon was a faithful member of Oakland Baptist Church, and a retired employee of Newton Company and Wal-Mart of Newton. She was a hard worker and enjoyed gardening. Her calming spirit and countenance are two characteristics that she will be remembered for. She was well versed from history and the Scriptures, which was the way she lived her life. Mrs. Gibbon will be missed by those who knew and loved her.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Charles Gibbon; two sons, Eddie Gibbon and Andy Gibbon; parents, Clifton and Odessa McDaniel Rigdon and her siblings, Sonny Rigdon, Barbara Addy, Cecil Rigdon, Willa Estes and Julia Daniel.

Survivors include her grandson, Jacob Helm, and his children, Cole Helm, Mallory Helm, and Madelyn Helm; her grandson, Anthony Gibbon and his children, Lauren Gibbon and Valerie Gibbon; three sisters, Lula Hill of Laurel, Rava Patterson and Helen Johnson, both of Decatur; a host of nieces and nephews.

08/13/2026

Daniel Calvin Watson, age 89, passed away Thursday, August 13, 2026, at Jasper General Nursing Home.

Private services will be held.

Calvin was born in Franklin County, Mississippi on September 13, 1936, at the family homeplace. He was a 1955 graduate of Brookhaven High School, and furthered his education at Mississippi State University, in 1959, obtaining a bachelor's degree in aeronautical engineering. He was also a 1976 graduate of Mississippi College School of Nursing. In 1982, Mr. Watson graduated from the University of Southern Mississippi with a master's degree in nursing. He was an engineer at Burns Aircraft in Starkville, then retired from the Veteran's Administration Hospital in Jackson in 2006. Mr. Watson taught in the nursing programs at Matty Hersee Hospital and Delta State University. He served his country in the United States Marine Corp for four years, and completed his service in the Marine Corp Reserve, retiring as a Major. He will be remembered for his strong work ethic and his love for his wife, daughter, and dogs.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Daniel and Hallie McMillan Watson; one son, Craig Calvin Watson; one sister, Elizabeth Watson.

Survivors include his wife of 29 years, Carolyn Aycock Watson; one daughter, Blythe Harris (Jerry) of Coldwater, Miss.;
one brother, John Watson of Brandon; three stepsons, Scott Youngblood (Hope) of Las Vegas, Nev.; Craig Youngblood (Rowena) of Rose Hill; Jim Youngblood of Flowood; three grandchildren, Molly Walters, Owen Youngblood, and Connor Youngblood.

Memorial donations may be made to Hopewell Community Church, 2852 CR 20, Rose Hill, MS 39356.

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

08/11/2026

Mae Dell Myers Boutwell passed away on August 8, 2026. Born on October 31, 1949, Mae Dell lived a life marked by deep faith, steadfast love, and devotion to her family.

Services were held Tuesday, August 11, 2026, at 11:00 am at Newton County Funeral Home - North Chapel. Burial followed in the Newton County Memorial Gardens under the direction of Newton County Funeral Home. Rev. Billy Martin officiated.

Mae Dell loved her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, and that love was evident in both her words and her actions. She was a devoted Christian and the greatest prayer warrior, faithfully lifting up her family and others in prayer. Her faith was the foundation of her life and a beautiful example to all who knew and loved her. She was also a dedicated member of First Methodist Protestant Church, where her love for the Lord and commitment to her faith were an important part of her life.

In 1968, Mae Dell married her soulmate, Stanley Edward Boutwell. Their marriage was one of deep love and devotion, and she remained lovingly devoted to him until his passing in 2011. The love they shared was a treasured part of her life. Mae Dell was deeply devoted to KS&A Farms, the family farm that held a special place in her heart. She worked alongside her family in all aspects of farming and took special pride in raising and caring for the baby calves. Her dedication to the farm reflected the way she lived her life—with a strong work ethic, a servant’s heart, and an unwavering devotion to her family.

Mae Dell loved her children and grandchildren fiercely. Her family was one of her greatest joys, and she loved them with her whole heart. She leaves behind a legacy of faith, prayer, unconditional love, and devotion that will continue to live on through the generations of her family.

Mae Dell was preceded in death by her loving husband, Stanley Edward Boutwell; her parents, Mary Ardell Winstead Myers and William Edgar Myers; and two brothers, Bruce Myers and Prentiss Myers.

She is survived by her children, Stanley Allen Boutwell and Angela Boutwell Chaney (Brian); her sister, Mary Ann Myers Henriques; her brothers-in-law, Kenneth Boutwell, Jr. and Wayne Boutwell (Loletta); her grandsons, Carson Chaney and Caden Chaney; her granddaughters, Brynn Boutwell Mott and Blair Boutwell; and a host of beloved nieces and nephews.

Mae Dell will be deeply missed, but the faith she lived, the prayers she prayed, and the love she gave so freely will remain forever in the hearts of those she leaves behind. Her family finds comfort in knowing that the Lord and Savior she faithfully loved and served throughout her life has welcomed her home.

Serving as pallbearers were William Myers, Patrick Thomas, Buster Bounds, Tony Wellerman, Henry Carmichael, and George Anderson with Jerry Humphreys and Wiley Walker, serving as honorary pallbearers.

Visitation was Tuesday two hours prior to the funeral services at the funeral home.

Newton County Funeral Home, 9998 Hwy.15/Eastside Drive Ext., Newton, served the Boutwell family.

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

08/10/2026

Mrs. Irene Lewis, age 95, of Newton, passed away Sunday, August 09, 2026, at Bedford Care Center of Newton. She was born November 30, 1930, at Laurel Hill in Neshoba County.

Graveside services will be held on Wednesday, August 12, 2026, at 10:00 am at the Masonic Cemetery in Newton under the direction of Newton County Funeral Home.

Rev. Chris Spence will officiate.
Music for the service will be provided by Mr. Clint Walker.

Mrs. Lewis attended Laurel Hill School and graduated high school at East Central Junior College and obtained a bachelor's degree in Home Economics from Delta State University. She was an excellent seamstress and homemaker. The Lewises were owners of the Western Auto in Newton for 28 years until they retired. She and her husband, Bill, loved to travel, and travelled extensively, together over the years. She was a member of the First Baptist Church in Newton, and the Fidelis Sunday School Class.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 73 years, Bill Lewis; her parents, Early Robert and Maude Roberts Barnett; four siblings, John Frank Barnett, Elizabeth Welch, Earline Barnett, and Tommie Jean Speights.

Survivors include one son, Bruce Lewis (Deborah) of Terry, MS; three daughters, Linda Strebeck (Mike) of Newton, MS, Anna Hull (Charles) of Canton, MS and Camille Simmons (Troy) of Newton, MS; eight grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren and siblings, Hilda Knoche of Temple Terrace, FL; Mary Curry of Ocean Springs, MS and Lamar Barnett of Laurel Hill; a host of nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.

Newton County Funeral Home - South, 100 Old Hwy. 15 Loop, Newton, served the Lewis family.

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

07/29/2026

Kevin Glass, age 54, and a current resident of Meridian, passed away Tuesday, July 28, 2026, at Baptist Anderson Regional Medical Center in Meridian.

There will be no services.

Kevin was born December 28, 1971, in Ashville, North Carolina to his parents, Bobby Lee and Eva Geraldine Graham Glass, who precede him in death. He was a graduate of B.B. Comer High School in Sylacauga, Alabama. After graduation, Kevin entered the workforce in the flooring business, before becoming disabled. Kevin will be remembered as a simple person who enjoyed the simplicity of life, "going with the flow."

He is survived by his siblings, Teresa Clark (Joe) of Union, Bobby Lee Glass, Jr. (Laura) of Florida and Steve Glass (Sandi) of Sylacauga, AL; numerous nieces and nephews also survive.

Newton County Funeral Home served the Glass family and an online guestbook may be viewed and signed at www.newtoncountyfuneralhome.com

07/22/2026

Mrs. Evlyn Dowden, age 88, and a resident of Hickory, passed away Wednesday, July 15, 2026 at the University of Mississippi Medical Center in Jackson.

Funeral services will begin at 12:00 pm on Monday, July 27, 2026 at Newton County Funeral Home - South Chapel. Burial will follow in the Mississippi Veterans Memorial Cemetery. Newton County Funeral Home is honored to be entrusted with the arrangements.

Visitation will begin at 11:00 am on Monday at the funeral home.

Rev. Hal Bates will officiate the service.

Mrs. Dowden was born in Lake Charles, Louisiana. She was a graduate of Marion High School. After graduation, she soon married her husband of 69 1/2 years, Carl, and was a loving wife and mother who provided for her family well. Early in her professional career, she worked at Mullers Department Store in Lake Charles, The Dowdens raised their four sons in Lake Charles, before they relocated to Mississippi in the early 1980's. They were devout Christians and were members of Chunky Baptist Church, and also members of the Gideons International. She will be remembered for the love that she had for her family, especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her son, Carl Dowden, Jr.; one granddaughter, Claire Elizabeth Dowden; her parents, Daniel and Cornelia Airhart and all nine siblings.

Survivors include her husband, Mr. Carl Dowden of Hickory; three sons, George Dowden (Kandice) Dowden of Raymore, MO; Ken Dowden (Karen) of Decatur and William Dowden (Lisa) of Terry; ten grandchildren, Linnie, Joy, Jacob, Ryan, Sarah, Troy, Ty, Wayne, Bennett and Landon; sixteen great-grandchildren and a host of nieces and nephews.

Pallbearers will be Bennett Dowden, Landon Dowden, Riley Reynolds, Robbie Reynolds, Wayne Dowden, and Will Fondren.

Honorary pallbearers will be George Dowden, Ken Dowden and William Dowden.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Gideons International, Inc., P.O. Box 297, Newton, MS 39345, Camp Pearl Ministries, 1132 Camp Pearl Rd., Reeves, LA 70658, or Mississippi Baptist Children's Village, P.O. Box 27, Clinton, MS 39060.

Newton County Funeral Home, 100 Old Hwy. 15 Loop, Newton, served the Dowden family.

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

07/22/2026

Jeffrey “Smiley” Dwight Fountain, age 79, passed away at the Veterans Administration Nursing Home in Collins, on Monday, July 20, 2026.

Funeral services will begin at 11:00 am on Tuesday, July 28, 2026, at Newton County Funeral Home – South Chapel. Burial will follow in the Mississippi Veterans Memorial Cemetery. Newton County Funeral Home is honored to be entrusted with the arrangements.

Visitation will begin at 10:00 am and continue until service time at Newton County Funeral Home – South.

Mr. Fountain was born February 8, 1947 to his parents, Jefferson Davis and Juanice Brown Fountain in Meridian. He was a graduate of Hickory High School, and served his country during the Vietnam War, in the United States Army, where he served as a Master Sergeant for the Big Red 1. He was also an honored recipient of the Bronze Star for his heroic service. In the professional world, he worked for Peavey Electronics as tech support, until a motorcycle accident resulting in a traumatic brain injury forced an early retirement. In his earlier days, he taught ballroom dancing in NE Jackson, before it was cool. He was involved in and coached every youth sport his youngest son played. He was a true cowboy and could train a horse to do anything. He had Santa tie ponies to a tree for our Christmas presents, swam our horses out of Westbrook stables during the ‘79 flood and rode the real Black Beauty. He even worked with horses, and rode motorcycles, after his accident. Smiley held a membership with the Christian Motorcycle Fellowship Association and was a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars and the American Legion. Most importantly, he was our Dad and we were blessed.

Mr. Fountain was preceded in death by his loving wife, Cassandra Fountain, his parents and one son, Bradley Fountain.

Survivors include his children, Stacey Fountain (Lee Roy Parnell) of Nashville and C. Jay Fountain of Brandon; one daughter-in-law, Jackye Fountain of Enterprise; two grandchildren, Oliver Fountain and Steven Barber (Nicole); sisters-in-law, Glenda McKee (Tommy), Margaret Young, and brother-in-law, Sammy (Gail) Young; and first cousins, Maritta Mullett, Jean (David) Hawkins, M.L. Henley (Judy) and John Poynor.

The family would like to express their sincere appreciation and gratitude for the director and staff of the Veterans Administration Nursing Home in Collins, specifically, Vickie and Gracyn, and all the veterans who truly made our Dad’s life happier the last two years.

07/20/2026

Funeral services for Marion Henton Bufkin will begin at 11:00 am on Wednesday, July 22, 2026, at Newton County Funeral Home –North Chapel. Burial will follow in the Newton County Memorial Gardens. Rev. Mark Vincent will officiate. Newton County Funeral Home is honored to be entrusted with the arrangements.

There will be no visitation and there will be no graveside service.

Marion Henton Bufkin, age 94, a wonderful husband to Shirley June Holladay Bufkin, passed away on July 18, 2026, at Bedford Care Center of Newton. He was born April 16, 1932, at Conehatta and was the son of Rev. Hugh Clyde Bufkin and Merle Henton Bufkin. He was a 1950 graduate of Decatur High School and was a graduate of the School of Radio Engineering in Memphis. Following graduation, Mr. Bufkin, enlisted in the United States Air Force, serving in Guam for 18 months, during the Korean and Vietnam War eras. As a result of his military service, he was the recipient of the Korean Service Medal, United Nations Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal, and the Good Conduct Medal.

He married Shirley June Holladay on July 20, 1956, and they enjoyed seventy years of marital bliss. Shortly after their wedding, they relocated to Camden, Arkansas in 1958, and began a 47-year career with the International Paper Company, retiring in 1995. They spent their retirement years back in his hometown of Decatur. After retirement, Mr. Bufkin enjoyed tree farming and spent numerous hours working the land of his childhood home which he loved so much. He was an active member of Clarke-Venable Baptist Church, where he was a member of the Caleb Sunday School class. He was a former member of First Baptist Church of Camden, Arkansas, for forty-five years.

Survivors include his wife of 70 years, Mrs. Shirely J. Bufkin; four nieces and one nephew; one sister-in-law, Fonda Holladay, and numerous friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Rev. Hugh Clyde and Mrs. Merle Bufkin; three brothers, Truett S. Bufkin, Billie B. Bufkin, and Cary Egbert Bufkin, and one sister, Hilda Bufkin Lay.

The family wishes to acknowledge with sincere appreciation the professionalism and staff of Bedford Care Center, Newton, for their love, compassion and care.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Gideons International, Inc., P.O. Box 297, Newton, MS 39345.

Newton County Funeral Home – North, 9998 Hwy. 15 N./ Eastside Drive Ext., Newton, served the Bufkin family.

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

07/16/2026

Joey Williams, age 57, and a lifelong resident of the Fellowship community, passed away Wednesday, July 15, 2026, at the University of Mississippi Medical Center in Jackson.

Joey was a graduate of Newton County Academy and obtained a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Mississippi State University. During his professional career, Joey was an insurance agent with Ozark National Life and worked with Rose Mobile Homes. He also was employed with Entergy Service South for most of his career in the pipeline industry. He was a member of Good Hope Baptist Church, and enjoyed the outdoors, specifically marksmanship.

Survivors include his wife, Amy Dean Williams of Hickory; children: Hailey Smith (Jordan) of Decatur, Connor Williams (Mckenzie) of Meridian and Kyle Williams (Chloe Russell) of Hickory; one granddaughter, Presley Smith; his mother, Mrs. Tommie Dear Williams of Hickory; one sister, Susan Dyess (Andre) of Hickory and two nieces, Mallory Dyess and Madilyn Dyess; one aunt, Faye Anderson (Michael) of Hickory; his father-in-law, Jerry Dean of Little Rock; three sisters-in-law, Lisa Lee of Collinsville, Genia Walden of Little Rock, and Laura Pharis (Dale) of Oxford and one brother-in-law, Tim Dean (Vickie) of Enterprise, and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his father, Joe Miller Williams and his mother-in-law, Linda Dean Judway.

A memorial service will begin at 10:00 am on Saturday, July 18, 2026, at New Fellowship Baptist Church, 161 Co Rd 2422, Hickory, MS 39332, with Rev. Robert Rowzee officiating.

Newton County Funeral Home - South, 100 Old Hwy. 15 Loop, Newton, served the Williams family.

An online guestbook can be viewed and signed at www.newtoncountyfuneralhome.com

Newton County Funeral Home

08/24/2026

08/24/2026

08/13/2026

08/11/2026

08/10/2026

07/29/2026

07/22/2026

07/22/2026

07/20/2026

07/16/2026

Address

Telephone

Website

Alerts

Shortcuts

Share

Category

Listing takedown request