Catchings-Sharkey Funeral Home

Catchings-Sharkey Funeral Home Catchings-Sharkey Funeral has served Pike County and surrounding areas for over 75 years. The staff

Hosea B. McKnight Jr. born Sept. 29, 1937, of Summit, Mississippi passed away June 9, 2026, peacefully in his sleep. Hos...
06/10/2026

Hosea B. McKnight Jr. born Sept. 29, 1937, of Summit, Mississippi passed away June 9, 2026, peacefully in his sleep.

Hosea was a man whose life reflected dedication, humility, and a deep-rooted love for family, faith, and the land. In 1953, he graduated as valedictorian of Enterprise, a testament to his early commitment to excellence and perseverance. That same drive carried him throughout his life, shaping the many roles he would embrace in the years to come.

For 54 years, he shared a devoted marriage with his beloved wife, Gayle. Together, they built a life grounded in love, faith, and unwavering support for one another. Their partnership was the cornerstone of everything he did, and their family and community were strengthened by their enduring bond.

Faith played a central role in his life. As a founding member of Sunny Hill Baptist Church which became West McComb Baptist Church, he gave faithfully of his time and energy. He was especially passionate about working with the youth, assisting in church events and helping guide younger generations. His quiet leadership and steady presence made a lasting impact on many lives.

He was a hardworking man who found his greatest joy in farming. His beef cattle farm was more than just an occupation—it was his pride and passion. He poured countless hours into the land, working with dedication and care, and took great satisfaction in seeing the fruits of his labor. As one of the first growers for Sanderson Farms in Pike County, he played a pioneering role in the local agricultural community, helping to shape its growth and success.

In recognition of his commitment and excellence in farming, he and his family were honored as the FHA Farm Family of the Year in 1973. This achievement highlighted not only his hard work but also the values of teamwork and stewardship that he instilled in his family.

Throughout his life, he remained a man of integrity, strong work ethic, and deep faith. Whether in the fields, at church, or at home with his family, he led by example, leaving behind a legacy of dedication, service, and love that will be remembered for generations to come.

Hosea was preceded by his wife, Linda Gayle McKnight; son, Hosea B. McKnight III; parents, Hosea and Inez McKnight.

Hosea is survived by his sons, Joe McKnight (Connie) of Summit, MS; Keith McKnight (Melanie) of Mt. Juliet, TN; Darren McKnight (Kim) of Summit, MS, a host of grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Funeral services will be at Catchings-Sharkey funeral home in Summit, MS on Friday, June 12, 2026. Visitation will begin at 2:00 p.m. until time of service at 4:00 p.m. Graveside service will follow at Hollywood Cemetery in McComb, Ms. Dr. David Millican will officiate.

Charles Eddie Honea passed away Saturday, June 6, 2026, with his loving wife and children by his side.Charles was born O...
06/10/2026

Charles Eddie Honea passed away Saturday, June 6, 2026, with his loving wife and children by his side.

Charles was born October 22, 1957, in Magnolia, MS. To Clarence and Ina Mae Honea.

Charles was a man driven by curiosity and an unshakable belief in the value of learning. From an early age, he loved school—not just for the structure, but for the endless possibilities it offered. Education, to him, was never confined to a classroom. It was a lifelong pursuit, and he stretched himself constantly, always reaching to become the very best version of who he could be. That same spirit carried him across the world. Whether traveling for work or for pleasure, he embraced new places, cultures, and perspectives with enthusiasm. Each destination was another opportunity to learn, to grow, and to collect experiences that would later become stories, lessons, and sometimes a perfectly timed joke.

Music was a constant companion in his life. As a voting member of the Country Music Association, he didn’t just listen—he participated, supported, and celebrated the artistry that meant so much to him. Movies, too, were one of his great joys. He had an uncanny ability to recall lines from nearly any film, often delivering them with perfect timing, blending his sharp memory with his unmistakably dry, understated humor, however never while doing karaoke to “Neon Moon”. He was a man of remarkable loyalty—steadfast, dependable, and always present for the people he loved. Nowhere was this more evident than in his deep devotion to his wife of 28 years and to his children. To him, family was not just important, it was everything. He lived each day as if it were part of a dream, he was fortunate enough to call reality, never taking for granted the life he had built with them.

His mind worked like an engineer’s blueprint—always analyzing, always improving, always thinking ahead. He believed in doing things the right way, the safe way—the “belt and suspenders” way. Preparation, precaution, and attention to detail were not habits; they were principles he lived by. And, in a way that became part of his signature, he wore the same style of Rockport shoes for more than 40 years. It was a simple but telling reflection of who he was—consistent, practical, loyal to what worked, and never one to chase trends when he had already found something dependable.

Beneath it all was his humor—dry, subtle, and often delivered with a straight face that made it all the more memorable. He didn’t need to be loud to be funny; his wit lived in the space between words, catching you just when you didn’t expect it. He was, in every sense, a man who lived fully balancing intellect with heart, discipline with joy, and purpose with love. A lifelong learner, a world traveler, a devoted husband and father, and a quietly brilliant mind, he left an impression that will not fade, carried forward in the lives he touched and the memories he created.

Charles was preceded by his parents, Clarence and Ina Mae Honea, sister, Anita Hale Robinson.

Survived by his wife, Julie Russell Honea; son, Alexander Powers Honea; daughter, Savannah Keeton Honea; brothers, Clarence Gearld Honea (Billie Jo), William Pue “Billy” Honea (Tammy), sister, Joni Wilkinson (Price); brother-n-law, Thomas William Robinson; The Russell and Lea Families and a host of nieces, nephews and friends.

In lieu of flowers please make donations to Samaritans Purse.

Funeral services will be at Glading Baptist Church on Thursday, June 11, 2026. Visitation will begin at 12:00 p.m. until time of service at 2:00 p.m. Graveside service will follow at Honea Cemetery in Magnolia, MS. Dr. Kent Campbell will officiate.

Alice Faye Sigrest Oliphant, age 85, of McComb, MS, entered the presence of the Lord on June 8, 2026, while surrounded b...
06/09/2026

Alice Faye Sigrest Oliphant, age 85, of McComb, MS, entered the presence of the Lord on June 8, 2026, while surrounded by loved ones. We give thanks to God for a life well lived and take comfort in the promise of everlasting life through our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Alice was born on June 29, 1940, in Hillsboro, MS to Marquain and Eula Waggoner Sigrest. She grew up in rural Scott County surrounded by many loving family members who had a strong influence on her life. She grew especially close to her beloved Aunt Lodena after the passing of her mother. She heard the Gospel at Clifton Baptist Church where she also married her high school sweetheart, Tersie Willis Oliphant, in 1962. They lived in Philadelphia, MS before moving to McComb to open a Fred’s Dollar Store in 1969.

She was active at Central Baptist Church for many years where she faithfully sang in the choir, taught Sunday School, GAs, and Vacation Bible School. She always ensured that her children were in church, and we are thankful. Her favorite verse was Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the plans I have for you,” says the LORD. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.

In recent years, Alice and Tersie became members of New Heights Baptist Church in Summit.

Outside of church, she was affectionately known as “Mrs. O” to her employees and customers at Fred’s. She and Tersie enjoyed camping and traveling in their free time.

Though we mourn her passing, we rejoice in the assurance of God’s promise: “…to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord.” (2 Corinthians 5:8).
She is survived by her husband of 64 years, Tersie W. Oliphant, her children Craig (Stacy), Vicky (Jeff) Henson, her grandchildren Rachel (James) King, Stephen Oliphant, Laura Oliphant, Eric (Tiffany) Henson, Gracie (Caleb) Seale, and her five great grandchildren, Freddy Henson, Walter King, Ivan King, Benjamin Seale, and Lenora Seale. She is also survived by her sister Jacqueline Noel and brother Billy Ray (Ann) Sigrest, many nieces and nephews, and brother-in-law Carl Oliphant. She was preceded in death by her parents Marquain and Eula Sigrest and her brother-in-law Robert Noel.

The family would like to thank the staff of Camellia Estates and The Claiborn for their loving care during the last few years.

Funeral services will be at Catchings-Sharkey funeral home in Summit, MS on Friday, June 12, 2026. Visitation will begin at 10:00 a.m. until time of service at 12:00 p.m. Graveside service will follow at Pike Memorial Gardens in McComb, Ms. Dr. David Millican will officiate.

Janie Lawrence, 69, of Bogue Chitto, MS, passed away on May 30, 2026, surrounded by her loving family, after a courageou...
06/03/2026

Janie Lawrence, 69, of Bogue Chitto, MS, passed away on May 30, 2026, surrounded by her loving family, after a courageous battle with cancer.

Memorial Services will be held at New Vision Church on Saturday, June 6, 2026, from 2:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m. Sharkey Funeral Home is in charge of all arrangements.

Janie was born April 13, 1957, a woman whose life was rooted deeply in love—love for the Lord, her family, and everyone fortunate enough to know her. For 41 years, she shared a devoted and enduring marriage to the love of her life James, building a home filled with faith, laughter, and unwavering commitment.

A faithful member of New Vision Community Church, her relationship with the Lord was the guiding light of her life. She lived her faith daily, not only in words but in the kindness, she showed to others. Whether through encouragement, prayer, or simply being present, she reflected God’s love in everything she did.

Her family was her greatest joy and proudest accomplishment. Whole heartedly devoted, she poured her heart into caring for those she loved. She held a special place in her heart as “Nana,” a title she carried with deep pride and endless affection. To her, being “Nana” wasn’t limited by blood—it was a role she embraced for anyone who needed love, comfort, or a warm embrace.

She had a giving spirit, always ready to help at every opportunity. No act of kindness was too small for her, and no person was ever overlooked. Her generosity and selflessness left a lasting impact on everyone she encountered.

In her earlier years, she found joy in crocheting, creating beautiful handmade pieces that reflected her patience and creativity. She also had a special fondness for hummingbirds, finding delight in their beauty and grace—perhaps seeing in them a reflection of the simple joys she cherished in life.

Her legacy is one of faith, love, and kindness. She leaves behind not only memories but a lasting example of what it means to live a life devoted to God and to others. She will be deeply missed, but the love she gave so freely will continue to live on in the hearts of all who knew her.

She was preceded in death by her parents, James Milton II and Pearl Anita Reed; daughters, Joycelyn Marie McCullough, Barbara Jo McCullough and Katherine Nicole McCullough; and brother, James Milton III.

Survivors include her husband, James Lawrence; daughter, Rebecca Cutrer; sons, Cliff McCullough (Monique), Troy Lawrence (Krystal), and Claude “Shorty” Westmoreland; fifteen grandchildren, Elizabeth, Kaylee, Austin, Martha, Abby, Josie, Kacee, Zoee, Traiden, Dalton, Jaycie, Bella, Hunter, Tatum, Autum; sisters, Alice Ann Stelly (John0, Lois Marie Alousi (Humam) and a host of great grandchildren, nephews, nieces, cousins and friends.

Lynda Dell Swan, age 84, passed peacefully into the arms of her Savior on May 30, 2026, at Southwest Mississippi Regiona...
06/02/2026

Lynda Dell Swan, age 84, passed peacefully into the arms of her Savior on May 30, 2026, at Southwest Mississippi Regional Medical Center, surrounded by her loving family.
Visitation will be held at Sharkey Funeral Home on Wednesday, June 3, 2026, from 9:30 a.m. until time of service at 10:00 a.m. Burial will follow at Rushing Cemetery in Walthall County. Sharkey Funeral Home is in charge of all arrangements.
Lynda shared 65 wonderful years of marriage with the love of her life, Bob T. Swan. Together they built a life centered on faith, family, hard work, and love. Bob preceded her in death five years ago, and she missed him dearly every day. Her family finds comfort in knowing they are reunited once again.
After retirement, Lynda and Bob enjoyed delivering newspapers together. If you were lucky enough to ride along on the route, you quickly learned why her grandson Brandon lovingly nicknamed her “NASCAR Granny.” She drove with determination and spirit, and everyone knew how to hang on when she hit the road.
Lynda loved animals and adored cooking for her family. Her kitchen was a place of comfort, laughter, and home-cooked meals. She found great joy in gathering loved ones around her table and making sure everyone was cared for. She always kept and immaculate house, she still to the last day wanted her house spotless!
Lynda is survived by her daughters, Debby Smith and her companion Dale of Gillsburg, Mississippi, and Terrilynn Rodriguez and husband Ivan Rodriguez of Fort White, Florida; her adopted son, Mychal Swan and wife Danelle of Gloster, Mississippi; brothers, Billy Freeman and Kenny Cleveland; sister, Etta Ruth Johnson; eight grandchildren; twenty-three great-grandchildren; and one precious great-great-granddaughter whom she was blessed to meet just weeks before her passing.
Though our hearts are broken, we celebrate a life well lived—a life marked by strength, determination, devotion to family, and unconditional love.
Lynda’s family takes comfort knowing she is no longer in pain and has been reunited with her beloved Bob.
Forever loved. Forever missed. Forever in our hearts.

Mr. Jamie L. Lambert passed from this life on Saturday, May 16, 2026, at his residence with his loving family by his sid...
05/20/2026

Mr. Jamie L. Lambert passed from this life on Saturday, May 16, 2026, at his residence with his loving family by his side. He was born on July 25, 1975, in New Orleans, LA to Charleston and Gail Lambert.

A Memorial Service will be held at Sharkey Funeral Home in Summit, MS, at 10:00 a.m. Friday, May 22, 2026.

HEAVEN’S VERY SPECIAL CHILD
A meeting was held quite far from earth
"It's time again for another birth,
Said the Angels to the Lord above,
"This special child will need much love."
"His progress may seem very slow
Accomplishments he may not show
And he'll require extra care
From the folks he will meet down there.

He may not run or laugh or play
His thoughts may seem quite far away
In many ways he won't adapt
And he will be known as handicapped.
So let's be careful where he is sent
We want his life to be content
Please Lord, find the parents who
Will do a special job for You.
They will not realize right away
The leading role they're asked to play
But with this child sent from above
Comes stronger faith and richer love
And soon they'll know the privilege given
In caring for this gift from Heaven
Their precious charge, so meek and mild,
Is Heaven's very special child."

Margaret Ann Nunnery of Magnolia, MS passed away on May 16th, 2026, at Camellia Estates in McComb. She was 73 years old....
05/18/2026

Margaret Ann Nunnery of Magnolia, MS passed away on May 16th, 2026, at Camellia Estates in McComb. She was 73 years old.

Margaret was born in North Carolina on July 11th, 1952, to Howard and Bobbie Towry. Her father Howard served in the Marines, Navy and Air Force at various times in his life, so she went to elementary school in Hemel Hempstead, London, England. When they returned to the United States, she graduated from Biloxi High School in 1969.

When Margaret enlisted in the United States Marine Corps in 1979, she was one of a small number of women Marines. She worked as a Ground Radio Repairer (MOS 2843). The Corps awarded her the rank of Sergeant (E-5) before she was honorably discharged in 1984.

After leaving the Marines, Margaret attended the University of Southern Mississippi where she majored in geology and mathematics. She met her husband Bill Nunnery at USM, and they married on May 3rd, 1986. They moved back to Bill’s home in Magnolia shortly after. Her son Wil Nunnery was born on July 7th, 1987.

Margaret was a talented artist who used nearly every medium possible: watercolors, acrylics, oil and mixed media. She painted everything from portraits, still lives, country scenes and copies of famous paintings by giants like Picasso, Goya and Dalí. Many found her use of gourds as a medium fascinating. A voracious reader, Margaret devoured thousands of books from literary history, with Atlas Shrugged by Ayn Rand standing out as one of her favorites.

Margaret’s parents preceded her in death.

Margaret is survived by her husband Bill and her son Wil.

Pallbearers are Bobby McDaniel, Lee White, Dr. Keith Tamor, Lonnie Cox, Brandon Dillon, Randall (Red) Williamson, Jimbo Jones and Billy Whitehead.

Honorary pallbearers are Bruce Fairburn and Chuck Coleman.

Funeral services will be at Catchings-Sharkey funeral home in Summit on Thursday, May 21, 2026. Visitation will begin at 12:00 p.m. until time of service at 2:00 p.m. Graveside service will follow at Magnolia Cemetery. Dr. Lane Brigham will officiate.

Our team at Catchings-Sharkey Funeral Home is excited to be able to sponsor a camper for Camp Sunshine this year. The Ju...
05/08/2026

Our team at Catchings-Sharkey Funeral Home is excited to be able to sponsor a camper for Camp Sunshine this year. The Junior Auxiliary of McComb sponsors this camp every year for mentally and physically challenged citizens of the community and surrounding areas. Camp Sunshine has been held for 50 years.
Here is to another amazing year of camp!
Pictured: Bro. Rick Kennedy, Misty Moak, Amber Magee, Brittany Raybon and Bro. Ricky Lee.

James Emmett Bates, 65, of Gillsburg, MS, passed away on May 4, 2026, at his daughter’s home surrounded by his family, a...
05/06/2026

James Emmett Bates, 65, of Gillsburg, MS, passed away on May 4, 2026, at his daughter’s home surrounded by his family, after a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer.
Mr. Bates was born on August 21, 1960, and spent most of his childhood years living in Carthage, MS. Upon graduating from Leake Academy, he went to work in the offshore drilling industry. Later, he chose to move to Amite Count to join his stepfather’s dairy business, Kliesch Dairy in Kentwood, LA. Eventually he chose to become a union boilermaker from which he retired.
Known for being a very hard worker who spent every waking moment outdoors, Papaw Emmett tended his garden and his beef cattle, often with one of his three grandsons tagging along. An avid outdoorsman, he spent countless hours hunting and fishing with his grandsons. He bought a fishing camp in Monterey LA, as well as a boat, with hopes of spending many summers there with family. From T-ball to baseball, basketball and football, Papaw Emmett was there to watch them play. His family was his life.
He was preceded in death by his mother, Hettie J. Newman Kliesch; stepfather, Bud O. Kliesch; brother, Ellison A. Bates Jr; maternal grandparents, Jim and Lena Mae Newman; paternal grandparents, Aubrey and Katherine Bates; along with several aunts and uncles.
Survivors include his father, Ellison Aubrey Bates Sr; sister, Elissa B. Jones; son, James R. Bates (Jenna); daughter, Haley Bates Walker (Dustin); 3 grandsons, Lane, Judd and Shep Walker; 1 granddaughter, Ryleigh Bates; aunts, Margie Newman, Louise Brumfield; and a host of cousins and friends; ex-wife, Tammy Wyatt; whom he maintained a friendship with and whom also, served as his primary caregiver as his illness progressed.
Special thanks to Compassus Hospice for their compassion and care and Gillsburg Baptist Church.
Services will be on Saturday, May 9, 2026, at Sharkey Funeral Home with Dr. Victor Walsh officiating. Visitation is from 9:00 a.m. until time of service at 11:00 a.m. Burial will follow at Bates-Walker Family Cemetery at 8158 MS HWY 584 Osyka, MS 39657.
Pallbearers are Scott Gill, Dustin Walker, Joel Brown, David Williams, Glen B***y and Larry Walker.

Jimmy Rueff Jr. Cmdr. James Louis “Jimmy” Rueff Jr., 87, passed away peacefully on May 1, 2026, in McComb.Visitation is ...
05/06/2026

Jimmy Rueff Jr.
Cmdr. James Louis “Jimmy” Rueff Jr., 87, passed away peacefully on May 1, 2026, in McComb.

Visitation is 1 p.m. Saturday at Catchings-Sharkey Funeral Home of Summit, with services there at 2 p.m.

Born on Dec. 29, 1938, in the McComb Infirmary, Jimmy was the son of James L. Rueff and Mary Vivian Hendon Holmes. Tragically, his father passed away when Jimmy was just six weeks old, and William M. Holmes lovingly adopted him.

A small-town boy with big dreams of travel and adventure, Jimmy graduated from high school in 1956 and pursued higher education at Mississippi State College before earning an NROTC scholarship to the University of Mississippi. His aspirations led him to join the Navy, where he was selected for Flight School at NAS Pensacola, and he began a remarkable career that spanned 28 years as a U.S. Navy pilot and commander. Jimmy’s naval career was nothing short of extraordinary. His first tour took him to Puerto Rico for three years, followed by five tours of duty in the Mediterranean aboard various aircraft carriers and fleet squadrons. His service allowed him to live in Spain, France, Italy and Greece for short periods and even afforded him the opportunity to fly over the North Pole. As a respected Naval leader, Jimmy met dignitaries such as the King and Queen of Spain and the Pope and had the honor of briefing President Jimmy Carter and the Joint Military Chiefs of Staff. He retired from active duty at age 51, having fulfilled many of his childhood dreams.

Beyond his professional achievements, Jimmy’s personal life was marked by enduring love and devotion. In 1957, while working at the McComb Palace Theatre, he met Christine “Tina” Williams. Their connection was immediate — a love that would span decades. Though life took them on separate paths for many years, they reunited in October 2021 after 64 years apart. Their love story culminated in a beautiful Commitment Ceremony on Feb. 15, 2025, at Brentwood in McComb.

Jimmy is survived by his beloved life partner, Tina Holmes of McComb; brother, Kenneth “Kenny” Holmes; brother-in-law, James Yarborough of Pearl River, La.; sons, James (Sheila) Rueff of Florida and Stephen (Julie) Rueff of North Carolina; grandsons, Jordan Rueff, Stephen Rueff, Alex Rueff and George Rueff; granddaughters, Kyrie Schweers, Sarah Rueff, Heather Rueff and Victoria Rueff; and great-grandson, Zeppelin Rueff.

He was preceded in death by his sister, Dianne Holmes Yarborough; son, William “Rob” Rueff, and grandson, James T. Rueff.

Jimmy’s legacy is one of dedication — to his country through his distinguished military service — and to those he loved deeply throughout his life. From humble beginnings in McComb to soaring above oceans as a Navy pilot and meeting world leaders as a Commander, Jimmy lived a life filled with purpose and adventure.

May his memory bring comfort to all who knew him.

Address

1023 Old Brookhaven Road
Summit, MS
39666

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 5pm
Tuesday 8am - 5pm
Wednesday 8am - 5pm
Thursday 8am - 5pm
Friday 8am - 5pm

Telephone

+16012767475

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