Newton County Funeral Home

06/03/2026

Carolyn Faye "Big Mama" Buckley, age 84, passed away Tuesday, June 2, 2026, at Trend Nursing and Rehab in Meridian.

Funeral services will begin at 3:00 pm on Thursday, June 04, 2026, at Newton County Funeral Home - South, with visitation one hour prior to the service. Burial will follow in Sand Springs Baptist Cemetery. Bro. William Savell will officiate.

She was a lifelong resident of Newton County and was a graduate of Hickory High School. She was employed with the Hickory School System until her retirement. She was a Christian by testimony of her faith and will be remembered for the love that she had for family. Big Mama will be missed by those who knew and loved her.

She was preceded in death by her husband, William Alex "Billy" Buckley, one son, Gary Allen Buckley, and one grandson, Stephen Kyle Buckley, and her parents, George Leon and Mattie Lee Randles Cape.

Survivors include two sons: William Steve (Gina) Buckley, of Little Rock; and Terry Leon (Michelle) Buckley of Decatur; one daughter: Sherry Caroline (Robby) Roncali of Chunky; three grandchildren: Destinee White (T.J.), Kelsee Cleveland (Jacob), and Kasie Espey (Dalton); two step-grandchildren: Colton Roncali (Faith) and Cody Roncali (Sydney); five great-grandchildren, R***r and Wilder Espey; Hayden White, and Gunner and Hayes Roncali; one daughter-in-law, Iris Cockrell Buckley of Chunky; one brother: George Terry Cape (Sharon) of Brandon and two sisters, Joan Griffin (Thomas) of Pachuta, and Dale Wilson (Herb) of Meridian; several nieces and nephews also survive.

Pallbearers will be Cody Roncali, Colton Roncali, Mike Butler, Michael Cape, Joseph Buckley, Jacob Cleveland, Dalton Espey, and T.J. White.

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

05/29/2026

Imogene "Jean" Russell, better known as "Buddy", passed away Thursday, May 28, 2026, surrounded by her family at home.

Funeral services will begin at 1:00 pm on Tuesday, June 02, 2026, at Newton County Funeral Home - North. Burial will follow in the Newton County Memorial Gardens.

Visitation will be from 5:00 pm - 8:00 pm on Monday, June 01,2026 at the funeral home and one hour prior to the service on Tuesday.

Imogene Rigdon Russell was born October 25,1922 to her parents, Eugene and Ella Mae Rigdon at Union. She attended school at Union Public School where she was very active in sports, in basketball and tennis. She was married to Norris Amos "Rusty" Russell for over 50 years. They were blessed with five children, and numerous grands, great, and great-great grandchildren. She worked several places in her working years but will be remembered for her job as cafeteria manager at Decatur High School and Newton County Elementary. She was a longtime member of Clarke-Venable Baptist Church.

She is preceded by her parents, her husband, and her siblings, Inez Lokey, Margaret Hurt, Harold Rigdon, Howard Rigdon, and Quent Rigdon. Her son-in-law, Cobert Cleveland, two grandsons, William Cobert and Carl Amos Cleveland, and two great-grandchildren, Benjamin Norris and Wynner Charles Russell precede her in death. Special friends Sam and Ruby Chaney, and Liza Lee Stamper also precede her in death.

Survivors include her children, Carlene Cleveland, Jerry Russell (Cookie), Scotty Russell (Colette), Terri Russell, and Cindy Thompson (Kenneth); nineteen grandchildren; twenty-one great-grandchildren; five great-great grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.

Pallbearers will be grandsons, great-grandsons, and great-great grandsons.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to your favorite charity.

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

05/27/2026

Betty Castles Bounds passed away peacefully at her home in Newton on Saturday, May 9, 2026.

Betty graduated from Beulah Hubbard High School and attended East Central Community College before earning her bachelor’s degree in education from The University of Southern Mississippi. She later received her master’s degree in education from Mississippi State University and went on to earn her specialist degree in education degree.

In 1966, Betty married the love of her life, Rodney Bounds of Newton, and together they began their life in Beulah Hubbard before ultimately making Newton their lifelong home. Throughout her 38-year career in education, Betty impacted countless students through her teaching at Beulah Hubbard High School, Newton County Academy, Meridian Naval Air Station, Clark College, and Newton High School. Her dedication to education and the lives of her students left a lasting impression on all who knew her.

Betty was a faithful member of Newton United Methodist Church and served in various clubs and organizations throughout Newton County during her lifetime.

After retiring from education, Betty cherished spending time with her grandchildren, who brought her great joy.

She is survived by her son, Kevin (Connie) Bounds of Brandon, Mississippi; her daughter, Kelly (Ryan) Brewer of Birmingham, Alabama; five grandchildren, Kelli, Kennedy, Karter, Jack, and Isabelle; and her sister, Sandra Harrison of Gulfport, Mississippi.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Victor Castles, and by her beloved husband, Rodney Bounds.

Family and friends are invited to gather at a memorial graveside service to begin at 11:00 am on Friday, May 29, 2026 at the Mississippi Veterans Memorial Cemetery, Newton.

Newton County Funeral Home – North, 9998 Eastside Drive Ext., Newton, served the Bounds family.

Family and friends may view and sign an online guestbook at www.newtoncountyfuneralhome.com

05/18/2026

Ronnie Cook, age 53, and a current resident of Newton, passed away Sunday, May 17, 2026 at his home surrounded by his family.

Visitation will be from 5:00 pm - 8:00 pm on Wednesday, May 20, 2026 at Newton County Funeral Home - South, 100 Old Hwy. 15 Loop, Newton. Funeral services will begin at 10:00 am on Thursday, May 21, 2026 in the funeral home chapel with burial to follow in Pine Grove Cemetery in the House community. Longtime friend, Larry Blackburn will preside.

Ronnie was born in Florida and the family moved to Alabama early in life, where he attended primary and junior high school. The family moved to Mississippi in 1986, and Ronnie was a graduate of Northeast Lauderdale High. He furthered his education at Meridian Community College before entering the workforce. Ronnie was the current owner of Cook's Bar-B-Que in Newton, since 2008. He enjoyed spending time with his grandkids, hunting and fishing, and all things outdoors. He will be greatly missed by those who knew and loved him.

Ronnie was preceded in death by paternal grandparents, Remus and Lilly Mae Cook and maternal grandparents, Owen Jackson and Edna Johnsen and his "local Mississippi adopted father", Curtis Blackburn.

Survivors include his wife, Ginger Page Cook; four children, Chase (Bethanie) Cook, Christopher (Marion) Cook, Maggie Page Peebles, and Ryder Furr; three grandchildren, Easton Cook, Sarah Cook, and Braxton Cook; bonus grandchildren, Grace, Remi and Tatum Ming; his parents, Ronnie and Suzanne Cook; one brother, Rick (Christine) Cook and one sister, Kellie Cook; one niece, Emily Cook and one nephew, Austin Cook; parents-in-law, Tim and Rita Page; one brother-in-law, Brent (Kristen) Page; one niece, Addy Page and two nephews, Easton Page and Brody Page, and many friends.

Pallbearers will be Chase Cook, Christopher Cook, Tim Blackburn, Tab Blackburn, Norman Blackburn, Drew Blackburn, Terry Todd, and John Dufour.

Honorary Pallbearers will be Ronnie Cook, Rick Cook, Austin Cook, Tim Page, Phillip Ming, Mark Peebles, Neal Holliman, Ricky Watkins, Brent Page, and Ryder Furr.

05/11/2026

Brenda Kay Evans Rush, age 67, and a current resident of Newton, passed away on Tuesday, May 5, 2026, at Baptist Anderson Regional Medical Center in Meridian.

Visitation will begin at 2:00 pm on Sunday, May 17, 2026, at Newton County Funeral Home North, with memorial services to follow at 3:30 pm in the funeral home chapel. Burial will follow at Ephesus Baptist Cemetery in Scott County at a later date. Pastor Tyler McCraw and Rev. Larry Reed will preside.

Brenda was born June 17, 1958, in West Virigina to her parents, Austin H. "Buddy" Watkins, Jr., and Frankie Lee Walker Watkins, who precede her in death. She was an advocate of cooking, planning for big events, especially, Thanksgiving and Christmas. She was an avid supporter of her grandchildren, in their sporting events, with her presence. She loved her Newton County Academy family and enjoyed going to the weekly games to support her grandson, Cameron "Grammie". She had a special bond with grandson Kody, that grew into a wonderful relationship. Sophia was the pageant great-granddaughter and also was supported by her "Grandma" at her softball games, awards days, and beauty reviews. One who enjoyed travelling, Mrs. Brenda, enjoyed mountain scenery and the white sands and crashing of the waves on the beach. Manager of Smash Fitness at Newton, she enjoyed visiting with the members and was an encouragement to those she came in contact with, referred often as the "Gym Mama."

Also preceding her in death, is her daughter, Angela Renee Vincent, and Brenda is survived by two sons, Trinity James Evans of Lawrence and Dustin Wayne (Tiffany Michelle) Evans of Hickory; two grandchildren, Christopher Kody Holcombe and Cameron James Barry Evans; one great-granddaughter, Sophia Grace Rivera; two sisters, Tammy Lynn Watkins of Vicksburg and Glenda Ann Rogers of Decatur and one brother: Alan Randall Watkins of Mobile, AL, and several nieces and nephews; one aunt, Betty Dobbs of Newton and one uncle, Travis (Billie Marie) Watkins of Lawrence, and her canine fur babies, Dolly Ann and Barry Patch.

Flowers will be accepted for the service and may be delivered to the funeral home.

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

05/11/2026

Services for Mrs. Jeanette G. Strait will begin at 12:00 pm on Wednesday, May 13, 2026 at Sand Springs Baptist Church (north of Hickory), with burial to follow in the Pine Ridge Cemetery at Lawrence under the direction of Newton County Funeral Home.

Visitation will begin at 10:00 am on Wednesday at the church and continue until service time.

Jeanette Strait passed from this life into eternity on May 8, 2026, at her home, surrounded by her family and loved ones. She was born on August 23, 1957, in the Mississippi Delta.

Jeanette is survived by her husband of 51 years, Ronnie Strait; two sons Rocky Strait (Becky), Billy Strait (Nicky); one daughter, Amanda Strait; one sister, Trisha Ann Gilbert (John) and honorary daughter, Chafony Poole (Bud); twelve grandchildren and five great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her stepfather, Earl Bunch; mother, Nell Bunch; one brother, Jamie Bunch; her stepmom, Dorthy Wilkerson, one sister, Betty Boone, her father, Jim Wilkerson, and grandson Marquise Poole.

She grew up living with her mom, Nell Bunch and stepfather, Earl Bunch until she was sixteen years old when she left home to attend Clarke Memorial College of Nursing in Newton, MS.

On May 31, 1974, she met Ronnie Strait while shopping at a local grocery store in Newton. They began dating and were married on August 22, 1974. Jeanette was all about family and educating children. She worked twelve years as a teacher and later director of We Care Daycare Facility. During the last four years of teaching at We Care, she obtained her Associate’s degree from East Central Community College and her Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from Mississippi State University - Meridian campus, with a 4.0 Grade point average.

She started teaching kindergarten at Newton Elementary School and later at the age of 40, she received her master’s degree in education from MSU Meridian campus with a 4.0 GPA. She taught Kindergarten for 27 years in the same classroom at Newton Elementary. She reluctantly gave up teaching and retired in 2019. Jeanette loved her family, her school children, her Sand Springs Church family and most of all her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

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

05/05/2026

Sara Lisann White was born on June 28, 1985, in Meridian, MS. She passed from this life on Friday, May 1, 2026, in Hattiesburg, MS.

Visitation will be held on Friday, May 8, 2026, at Newton County Funeral Home South. Visitation will begin at 9:00 AM until 11:00 AM.

The funeral service will begin at 11:00 AM in the chapel.

Sara attended school in the Newton Municipal School District, earned her GED and attended Pearl River Community College Hattiesburg Campus for nursing prerequisites. She attended Jones County Junior College where she completed requirements for EMT and Paramedic certification, earning NREMT credentials in both EMT and Paramedic fields. She worked for ambulance services in Hattiesburg and Rankin County. She worked on offshore oil rigs as a paramedic for approximately three years. She completed a hybrid nursing program through Gulf Coast Community College and graduated with an Associate Degree of Nursing in May 2023. After graduation she worked as a nurse in the prison system of Jones County and later as a travel nurse in the prison systems in South Dakota and New Mexico. When she returned to Hattiesburg, she worked PRN for Pafford Ambulance Service in the Rankin County area and worked a brief time at Wesley Merit Health in Hattiesburg. Her desire to earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree led to enrollment in online classes at the University of Southern Mississippi. Continuing to work PRN for Pafford, she also worked as a hospice nurse for 6 months at Legacy Hospice while completing BSN classes. Her BSN degree will be conferred this month.

Sara was preceded in death by paternal grandparents, James and Marie White; maternal grandparents, Clifton and Catherine Kelly; sons, Joshua Ray and Preston James White; half-brother, Herbert D. White, Jr.., uncle, Ernie White and aunt Lorie White.

She is survived by her father Herbert D. White; her mother, Sue Kelly; blended family siblings-- Denesia, Richard (Tara), Olivia, Alicia, Jessica, and Thomas; uncles—Harvey (Linda), Tommy (Jennifer), and Calvin (Lisa) White; aunts—Carolyn Baswell (Gary), Linda Spears Parker (Larry), and Shirley Ann Reed (Barry); numerous cousins, extended family and friends.

She is also survived by lifelong friend and sister-in-heart, Emily Bradley Ferko and her mother Jean Bradley; special friends Josh Oswalt and Ken Fetzer; and her fur babies Wheaty and Biscuit.
There will be no graveside service.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in her memory to Hub City Humane Society, 95 Jackson Rd., Hattiesburg, MS 39042 (601-596-2206), or to any animal shelter.

Newton County Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

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

04/28/2026

William Thomas Humphreys, age 83, and a longtime resident of Newton, passed away Monday, April 27, 2026 at his residence.
Visitation will begin at 9:00 am and continue to the service hour, on Friday, May 01, 2026, at First Baptist Church of Newton.
Services will begin at 11:00 am on Friday, May 01, 2026 at First Baptist Church of Newton. Dr. Brian Rushing and Rev. Chris Spence will officiate. Burial will follow at Lawrence Cemetery under the direction of Newton County Funeral Home.
Mr. Humphreys was born, March 04, 1943, in southern Newton County. He was a graduate of Newton High School (1961) and attended East Central Junior College on a football scholarship. He then joined the Mississippi Army National Guard, where he served six years. He married Sylvia Jones on July 23, 1966, and to this union two children were born. Mr. Humphreys served Mississippi Power Company and Southern Pine Electric Company for a total of 46 years, combined. When he worked for Mississippi Power, he had the distinguished honor of receiving the Mississippi Power "Employee of the Year", being the youngest recipient of this award, to date. Mr. Humphreys was a Christian by faith and a member of First Baptist Church of Newton, where he served on several committees. An avid outdoorsman, he enjoyed fishing, first and foremost, with his friends, also quail hunting, and training bird dogs in his early years. He loved his family very much, especially his grandchildren. He will be missed by those who knew and loved him.
He was preceded in death by his son, William Scott Humphreys; his parents, James L. “Sonny Boy” and Melba Loper Humphreys; one brother, Benny Lamar Humphreys and two sisters, Barbara Haralson and Mary Everett.
Survivors include his wife of almost 60 years, Sylvia Jones Humphreys of Newton; one daughter, Amy McGee of Union; daughter-in-law, Shellie Humphreys Wyatt (Jimmy); grandchildren, Josh McGee, Gracie Humphreys Hollingsworth (Colby), and Mallory McGee; two brothers: Jimmy Dale Humphreys (Voncille) of Moselle and Jerry Humphreys (Betty Jo) of Lawrence; a host of nieces and nephews survive.
Pallbearers will be Chad Lewis, Andy Rowzee, Will McMillan, Joel Nelson, Mike Strebeck, and Jimmy Wyatt.
Honorary pallbearers will be William Emmons, Dean Russell, and Benny Nelson, and the Yokefellows Sunday School Class.
Memorial donations may be made to Mississippi Baptist Children's Village, P.O. Box 27, Clinton, MS 39060, or to the Gideon's International, Inc., Newton Camp, P.O. Box 197, Newton, MS 39345.
Newton County Funeral Home - South, 100 Old Hwy. 15 Loop, Newton is in charge of arrangements.

04/28/2026

William Thomas Humphreys, age 83, and a longtime resident of Newton, passed away Monday, April 27, 2026 at his residence.

Visitation will begin at 9:00 am and continue to the service hour, on Friday, May 01, 2026, at First Baptist Church of Newton.

Services will begin at 11:00 am on Friday, May 01, 2026 at First Baptist Church of Newton. Dr. Brian Rushing and Rev. Chris Spence will officiate. Burial will follow at Lawrence Cemetery under the direction of Newton County Funeral Home.

Mr. Humphreys was born, March 04, 1943, in southern Newton County. He was a graduate of Newton High School (1961) and attended East Central Junior College on a football scholarship. He then joined the Mississippi Army National Guard, where he served six years. He married Sylvia Jones on July 23, 1966, and to this union two children were born. Mr. Humphreys served Mississippi Power Company and Southern Pine Electric Company for a total of 46 years, combined. When he worked for Mississippi Power, he had the distinguished honor of receiving the Mississippi Power "Employee of the Year", being the youngest recipient of this award, to date. Mr. Humphreys was a Christian by faith and a member of First Baptist Church of Newton, where he served on several committees. An avid outdoorsman, he enjoyed fishing, first and foremost, with his friends, also quail hunting, and training bird dogs in his early years. He loved his family very much, especially his grandchildren. He will be missed by those who knew and loved him.

He was preceded in death by his son, William Scott Humphreys; his parents, James L. “Sonny Boy” and Melba Loper Humphreys; one brother, Benny Lamar Humphreys and two sisters, Barbara Haralson and Mary Everett.

Survivors include his wife of almost 60 years, Sylvia Jones Humphreys of Newton; one daughter, Amy McGee of Union; daughter-in-law, Shellie Humphreys Wyatt (Jimmy); grandchildren, Josh McGee, Gracie Humphreys Hollingsworth (Colby), and Mallory McGee; two brothers: Jimmy Dale Humphreys (Voncille) of Moselle and Jerry Humphreys (Betty Jo) of Lawrence; a host of nieces and nephews survive.

Pallbearers will be Chad Lewis, Andy Rowzee, Will McMillan, Joel Nelson, Mike Strebeck, and Jimmy Wyatt.

Honorary pallbearers will be William Emmons, Dean Russell, and Benny Nelson, and the Yokefellows Sunday School Class.

Memorial donations may be made to Mississippi Baptist Children's Village, P.O. Box 27, Clinton, MS 39060, or to the Gideon's International, Inc., Newton Camp, P.O. Box 197, Newton, MS 39345.

Newton County Funeral Home - South, 100 Old Hwy. 15 Loop, Newton is in charge of arrangements.

An online guestbook may be viewed and signed at

Newton County Funeral Home quietly provides support, guidance, compassion and total commitment at a time when inner strength and peace are challenged.

04/27/2026

Richard Gregory "Greg" Prestage, a devoted father, loving son and brother, and skilled H-Vac and mechanic, passed away on April 23, 2026, in Morton, Mississippi. Born November 22, 1981, in Flowood, Mississippi, Greg was a proud graduate of James Madison High School in Georgia. His passing leaves a deep void in the hearts of all who knew and loved him.

Greg lived a life full of passion and dedication. His interests spanned riding motorcycles, fishing, and joyfully playing with his children, nieces, and nephews. His keen ability to fix things was well known and admired by family and friends alike, embodying the spirit of a handyman who could always be counted on in times of need.

He will be greatly missed by his cherished family, including his two daughters, Issabella Newsome and Kelsey Harmon, and his son, Brendon Ogletree. Greg's mother, Janice Prestage, his sister, Brandi Ingram, along with his nephews Kayne Sudduth, Abel Ingram, Issac Ingram, and nieces Riley Ingram and Aniyah Ingram, carry forward his legacy of love and strength. He is also survived by a host of aunts, uncles, and cousins who remember him fondly.

Greg was preceded in death by his brother, Gary Steven Prestage; his father, Richard Lee Prestage; his maternal grandparents, James Patrick and Verba Lee Bynum Valentine; his paternal grandparents, Russell and Dorothy May Hegwood Prestage; along with aunts Patricia Ann Derrick, Carolyn Trudeau, Becky Ann Prestage, and uncles Jerry Wayne Prestage and Benny Charles Prestage.

The family invites all who knew Greg to honor his memory and celebrate his life through several services. A viewing will be held on Monday, April 27, 2026, from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Newton County Funeral Home - North located at 9995 MS- Hwy 15 in Newton, Mississippi. Another viewing will follow at Liberty Baptist Church at 2824 Old Highway 80, Forest, Mississippi, on Tuesday, April 28, 2026, from 11:00 AM until 1:00 PM, immediately preceding the funeral service which starts at 1:00 PM at the same location. A graveside service will take place at Oak Grove Church of God in Polkville, Mississippi, from 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM on April 28. Rev. Jerry Holmes will officiate the services.

In this time of sorrow, the family finds comfort in the generosity of spirit, the countless memories shared, and the enduring bonds that Greg cultivated throughout his lifetime. His legacy of love, laughter, and hands-on care will forever remain a guiding light for those who were fortunate to have known him.

Pallbearers will be Steve Hardin, Noah Traxler, Logan Phillips, Kenny Wayne Meadows, Robert Lingle, and Dave Traxler.

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