Robinson Funeral Home

05/28/2026

Kenneth Higginbotham

Kenneth Higginbotham passed away May 28, 2026, at his residence at the age of 83. He was born October 8, 1942, to the late William Robert Higginbotham and Labirl Nichols. He worked for Bryan Foods for over 30 years. He loved carpentry, woodworking, bird watching, and spending time with his loving family.

He is survived by wife, Lois Marie of 62 years; 2 daughters, Dawn Colbert (Greg), Camelia “Mia” Morris (Danny); 1 son, Chad Higginbotham (Denise); 5 Grandchildren, Baleigh Colbert, Maggie Ellis, Jr Rodriguez, Ann Marie Rodriguez, Nathan Morris; 7 Great Grands, Chaney Kathryn Ellis, Walker Ellis, Emersyn Reese Colbert, Athena Netherland, Ava Rodriguez, Raven Prestiage, Rowan Prestiage; 1 sister, Ruth Ann (Don) of Vardamen; Host of nieces and nephews; 3 sister in law, Beverely White (Billy), Virginia Blankenship, Linda Higginbotham.

He was preceded in death by her parents; 2 brothers, Billy Higginbotham, James Higginbotham; a brother in law, John Blankenship.

Funeral Services will be held 2 PM Sunday May 31, 2026 at Lone Oak Baptist Church officiated by John Parker. Visitation will be from 1-2 PM Sunday at the church. Interment will follow at Memorial Gardens Cemetery. Serving as Pallbearers will be Stanley Higginbotham, Bobby Higginbotham, Ronald Quider, Tommy Allen, Bruce Simpson, Randy Simpson, Nathan Morris, Jr Rodriguez.

Memorials can be made to St Jude Children’s Research Hospital, P.O. Box 1000 Deparment 42 Memphis, TN 38105 and LeBonheur Childrens Medical Center, 50 Dunlap St, Memphis, TN 38103

Robinson Funeral Home is assisting with the family in arrangements.

Friends may leave an online condolence to the family at robinsonfh.net.

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05/27/2026

Lee Coleman

LEE SORRELS COLEMAN

July 14, 1949 ~ May 25, 2026

Lee Coleman, age 76, died on May 25, 2026, surrounded by the love of his family.

Lee was born in West Point, Mississippi on July 14, 1949, the second son of Mr. Howard Clark "Butch" Coleman, Sr. and Mrs. Virginia Sorrels Coleman.

He is survived by his wife of 46 years, Peggy Green Coleman, and by two sons, Jack Howard Coleman of Dallas, Texas, and Bonner Clark Coleman (Brittany) of Olive Branch, Mississippi. He is also survived by his brothers, Jimmy Coleman (Jan) and David Coleman (Laura). He was predeceased by his mother and father and by his brother, Howard Clark Coleman, Jr.

While growing up, Lee moved with his parents around several cities in Mississippi, including Tupelo and Pascagoula. He was a distinction graduate of Pascagoula High School, where he served as a Student Body President, Editor of the school paper and literary magazine, and other student honors. While living in Pascagoula he was employed as a reporter for the Mississippi Press Register, Pascagoula's daily newspaper.

He attended and graduated from the University of Mississippi earning a degree in public administration. While an undergraduate student at Ole Miss, he was elected to the student senate and was also elected president pro tem of the student senate.

After undergraduate school, he attended and graduated from the Ole Miss Law School. While a law student, he was elected vice-president and later president of the law school student body and served on the moot court board.

After law school, he returned to his hometown of West Point and began to practice law with his father. Shortly thereafter, he was elected to the state House of Representatives. He served two terms in the House before deciding not to seek re-election and to come home and practice law full-time.

After his term as a state representative expired, he was elected as the Clay County, Mississippi, Board of Supervisors attorney. He held the Board Attorney job for 25 years until he was elected as Circuit Court Judge, Place 3, 16th Judicial

District.

He served as Circuit Judge for 12 years. When he retired, he served as a Senior Status Judge. In 2023, he was selected as a member of the West Point Hall of Fame.

He was a member of the First Presbyterian Church, EPC of West Point, Mississippi, where he served as a deacon and an elder.

Funeral Service will be held May 30, 2026, at 3:00 p.m. at the First Presbyterian Church with Rev. Brandon Bates officiating. Visitation will also be held at the church from 1:00-3:00 p.m. prior to the service. Burial will follow at Greenwood Cemetery, West Point, Mississippi. Robinson Funeral Home of West Point is honored to be entrusted with the arrangements.

Pallbearers will be Barry Reynolds, Ralph Weems IV, John Wright, Bradley Barnes, Hunter Davis, and Gene Hawkins.

Honorary pallbearers include Dr. Edmund "Ned" Miller and Lee's long-time friend David Owen of Columbus, Mississippi.

The family wishes to express their appreciation to Lee's in-home

Comforcare caregivers: Jasmyn Walker for her attentive care to Lee every day, and Freda Ellis for care to Lee recently.

Memorials may be made to the First Presbyterian Church, EPC, P.O. Box 366, West Point, Mississippi 39773 or the charity of the donor's choice.

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05/26/2026

Eric Barkemeyer

Eric Paul Barkemeyer of Birmingham, Alabama (formerly of Davidson, North Carolina), passed away on May 20, 2026 at the age of 75 after a long, hard-fought battle with Parkinson’s disease.

Eric grew up on the family farm near West Point, Mississippi, graduating from WPHS with the class of 1968. He was active in band, serving as drum major his senior year. He graduated from Mississippi State University as a distinguished military student with an Agricultural-Business degree. After serving in the Army National Guard, he enjoyed a long, distinguished career in aquatic vegetation management, including 40 years of service and exemplary leadership with the Aquatic Plant Management Society (APMS), having served as both regional and national president.

Outside of work, Eric sang as a tenor in several church choirs throughout the years, loved the game of golf, cycling, and sharing his genuinely cheerful nature and legendary one-liners with friends and family. He was also actively involved in Our Towns Habitat for Humanity of Lake Norman, North Carolina for many years. Eric was a proud Mississippi State Bulldogs fan, which predictably became a great source of his frustration every fall. After he was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 2018, Eric also developed an interest in boxing through the PD Fight Club with Juarez Boxing in Irondale, Alabama, earning the nickname “Bazooka.”

Eric is survived by the love of his life and wife of 54 years, Nancy, daughter Julie Beaty (Scott), son Richmond (Lauren), and granddaughter, Emma Beaty, who always brightened her Pop Pop’s day. He is also survived by his beloved sister, Sylvia Williams (Joel) and dear friend and brother-in-law Daniel Hill and his wife Nancy. Eric also leaves behind extended family members and friends who will deeply miss him, including his incredible nursing team at Kirkwood By the River.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Raymond Paul Barkemeyer and Arebelle Webber Barkemeyer of West Point, Mississippi.

Funeral services will be held at 11 AM Thursday June 25, 2026 at Highlands United Methodist Church in Birmingham, Alabama. Interment will be at Elmwood Cemetery at 2 PM in Birmingham, AL. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Highlands United Methodist Church, Habitat for Humanity of the Charlotte Region, or the Michael J Fox Foundation, a non-profit dedicated to finding a cure for Parkinson’s disease.

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05/22/2026

In Honor of Memorial Day, Robinson Funeral Home would like to express our deepest gratitude for our veterans.

“We come not to mourn our dead heroes but to praise them”

05/18/2026

Dennis McFadden

Carl Dennis McFadden, “Dennis,” passed away peacefully on May 16, 2026 at St. Dominic Hospital in Jackson, MS surrounded by his family.

Dennis was born Oct. 11, 1948 in West Point, MS. He was the second born of five children to George and Edna Earle Proctor McFadden. A 1966 graduate of West Point High School, he attended Mississippi State before enlisting in the US Navy where he served in Vietnam aboard the USS St. Paul and later briefly on the USS Vreeland. After returning to Miss. State, he graduated with a BS in Finance in 1975. Later earning his CPA License, Dennis worked in the State Audit Department until his retirement in 2007.

He was married to Jacqueline June McCartney on November 22, 1980 in St. Louis, and they settled in Clarksdale, MS raising two sons, Robert and Michael. The two were married for 42 years until her passing from cancer in April 2022.

Dennis enjoyed the simple life he built. Some of his favorite pleasures were good meals, exercise, watching any sport, watching Fox News with his dog, military history, quiet drives in his old Tacoma, cold Coke from the “Gedunk,” and of course spending time with his family.

He was preceded in death by his wife Jacqueline, parents George and Edna Earle McFadden of West Point, MS and older sister Lana Vlahiotis (Tony) of St. Louis, MO.

He is survived by two children and six grandchildren, son Robert (Mandy), their five children Bo, Eli, Will, Bella, and Hannah of Brandon, MS, and son Michael, and his daughter Gemma of Brandon. Also surviving are his younger siblings, John McFadden (Nita) of West Point, MS, Edna London of Cornersville, TN, and Patricia Carter (Randy) of Gainesville, FL. He has three loving nieces and three nephews, and of course, his dog Mike.

Dennis will be laid to rest alongside his parents and wife at Greenwood Cemetery in West Point following a Funeral Mass on Wednesday May 20 at St. Joseph Catholic Church at 2 PM in Starkville, MS. Visitation will be from 10-11AM Wednesday at Robinson Funeral Home and 1-2 PM before the funeral at St. Joseph Catholic Church.

Memorials may be made to USS St Paul Association. Donate to usssaintpaulca73.org.

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05/14/2026

Joe Portera

Joseph “Joe” Carmelo Portera went to be with his Heavenly Father on Thursday, May 7, 2026, with his loving and devoted wife, Susan Richardson Portera, by his side after a brief illness.

Born in West Point, Mississippi, on September 21, 1946, to the late Phillip Joseph and Ethel Hodges Portera, Joe lived a life grounded in faith, family, and hard work. He attended Mississippi State University and later earned a degree in computer science from the IBM School in Birmingham, Alabama. In 1967, he met the love of his life, Susan, on a blind date and knew immediately she was “the one.” Joe began his career by founding Portera Brothers in the late 1960s and later became co-owner of City Wholesale, Inc., where he worked for more than 30 years. Beyond his professional success, Joe was deeply committed to his community and faith. He was an active member of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church and served on the Building Committee in 1986. A man of many talents and interests, Joe loved playing golf, woodworking, and making memories with his family at the beach. His warmth, laughter, and quiet faith left a lasting impression on everyone who knew him.

Joe is survived by his beloved wife Susan, and their three children: Stephanie Portera, Brian Charles Portera (Jennifer), and Cynthia Portera Lyon (Gil). He was the proud grandfather of Judson Bristow (Chloe), Julia Ford (Dalton), Griffin Bristow, Marguerite Portera, Olivia Portera, Joseph Portera, and Cooper Lyon. He is also survived by his brothers William “Bill” Portera (Becky) and Phillip Portera (Cooper), as well as nieces Lori DeGeus (Tim), Sarah Hampton Cambas (Bryce), and nephew Will Portera (Catherine).

Pallbearers: Will Portera, Tim DeGeus, Steve Portera, Paul Caskey, Jonah Caskey, and Josh Word. Honorary Pallbearers: Joey Michel, Bruff Sanders, Carey Upton, Malcolm Portera, Joe John Portera, Andy Bellanca, and Frank Portera.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, 26707 East Main Street, West Point, MS 39773.

Services will be held at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church on Saturday May 9, 2026:

● Rosary – 9:30 a.m.

● Visitation – 10:00 to 11:00 a.m.

● Funeral Mass – 11:00 a.m.

Burial will follow at Greenwood Cemetery.

Joe’s life was one of love, integrity, and devotion — to God, family, and community. He will be dearly missed

and joyfully remembered by all who were blessed to know him.

View Joe Portera's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

05/14/2026

Richard Robinson

Richard (Dick) M. Robinson passed away Monday, May 11, 2026 at the age of 92.

Dick was born May 16, 1933, in Greenwood, MS. He was the youngest child of Andrew and Venus Robinson. After completing high school, he joined the U.S. Air Force and honorably served during the Korean War. Once out of the Service, he attended Mississippi State University, majoring in Management. It was during this time that he met and married his wife of almost 60 years, Edna Sue (Dickson) Robinson.

During their long, happy life together Dick worked mostly in the tire & rubber manufacturing field and together they raised four children. During his working years the family lived in Louisiana, Iowa, Texas, and Alabama. Upon retirement he and Sue relocated to West Point/Montpelier, MS which is where Sue was raised. While living in West Point Dick was heavily involved with the Lion’s Club. During his free time Dick enjoyed attending MSU sporting events and fishing and duck hunting with his son Anthony.

Dick is preceded in death by his wife, Sue Robinson, and two sons, David M. Robinson and Alan W. Robinson. He is survived by his son, Anthony Robinson (Mara) and his daughter, Bethany Robinson Florez (Reggie) along with 7 grandchildren and 2 great- grandchildren. Per Dick’s request; the immediate family will be having a private memorial.

There are no services scheduled at this time.

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05/14/2026

Cyndi Huffman

Cynthia Ann Huffman, age 66, officially hung up her phone, set down her crochet hook, and sauntered off to the afterlife on May 14, 2026, leaving the rest of us with hearts too full, hands too empty, and a trail of ribbon, yarn, and stories in her wake.

Cyndi didn’t just live—she immersed herself in everything. Crafts were her superpower: painting, crocheting, sewing, decorating, and especially wreath-making. She could take a pile of random materials and turn it into something magical. Her wreaths are a testament to her joyful chaos, and she tried her best to spread them like glitter.

She was a daughter, mother, grandmother, and friend in a league of her own. Her (predeceased) parents Bill and Nell, sister Debi (Charles), best friend Rocky, children Stacey-Ann (Justin), Bubba (Ellis) and Sam (Drew), and grandchildren Lillie, Cooper, Al, Boots, Basil, Sprout, and Freckles knew the love of a woman who would drop everything at a moment’s notice to help, comfort, or cheer them on. Although her baby sister "Debi Sue" may have been the boss, Cyndi dedicated her life to fiercely protecting her. Her children were her reason for living, and her grandchildren and grand-animals were her pride, her joy, and her reason for showing up to every moment with a sparkle in her eye.

She loved coffee, extending her Green Thumb, the color "wine red," roosters, fall weather, and the number four. Music was a big part of her soul: 90s country, Adele, Jelly Roll (especially I Am Not Okay)—she didn’t just listen, she felt it. Television and movies were the same: even if she entered the room in the middle or the end, she’d immediately become totally absorbed and ready to comment, cry, or laugh. And nearly every single conversation contained at least one perfectly elongated, southern-tinged “acttuualllyyyy” that made everything sound just a little more important.

Cyndi’s courage was quiet but radiant. Even in the face of an unexpected terminal diagnosis, she carried joy like a badge, gratitude like armor, and a firm belief that God’s plan was exactly where she was supposed to be. She lived boldly, impulsively, and with relentless kindness, never hesitating to compliment strangers or share stories that would leave you laughing, crying, or both.

She leaves behind spades leagues that will never forget her competitive fire, phone calls that could double as epic novels, and countless memories of “one more thing” that always stretched just a little longer—because she never wanted a goodbye to be final. Heaven, brace yourself: a whirlwind of creativity, laughter, courage, and love has just arrived, and she’s already planning her next project—likely something that involves making sure everyone she meets feels noticed and cherished.

Cyndi Huffman: mother, grandmother, bonus mom, crafter extraordinaire, storyteller, fearless soul, and friend to every stranger she ever met. Life was never small with her in it, and neither is her legacy.

A uniquely, special Cyndi-styled Celebration of Life is planned for 3:00 P.M on June 13th at The Ritz in West Point. Per her instructions, please come dressed to dance and share your best Cyndi stories.

Cyndi’s family would like to extend a special thanks to the doctors and nurses of North Mississippi Medical Center’s Oncology floor, Sanctuary Home Hospice’s very special care staff, and everyone who sent Cyndi “fan mail” on her Farewell Tour.

Memorials may be made to Sanctuary Hospice, 5159 West Main St., Tupelo, MS 38803 or https://sanctuaryhospicehouse.harnessgiving.org/donate

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05/08/2026

Joe Portera

Joseph “Joe” Carmelo Portera went to be with his Heavenly Father on Thursday, May 7, 2026, with his loving and devoted wife, Susan Richardson Portera, by his side after a brief illness.

Born in West Point, Mississippi, on September 21, 1946, to the late Phillip Joseph and Ethel Hodges Portera, Joe lived a life grounded in faith, family, and hard work. He attended Mississippi State University and later earned a degree in computer science from the IBM School in Birmingham, Alabama. In 1967, he met the love of his life, Susan, on a blind date and knew immediately she was “the one.” Joe began his career by founding Portera Brothers in the late 1960s and later became co-owner of City Wholesale, Inc., where he worked for more than 30 years. Beyond his professional success, Joe was deeply committed to his community and faith. He was an active member of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church and served on the Building Committee in 1986. A man of many talents and interests, Joe loved playing golf, woodworking, and making memories with his family at the beach. His warmth, laughter, and quiet faith left a lasting impression on everyone who knew him.

Joe is survived by his beloved wife Susan, and their three children: Stephanie Portera, Brian Charles Portera (Jennifer), and Cynthia Portera Lyon (Gil). He was the proud grandfather of Judson Bristow (Chloe), Julia Ford (Dalton), Griffin Bristow, Marguerite Portera, Olivia Portera, Joseph Portera, and Cooper Lyon. He is also survived by his brothers William “Bill” Portera (Becky) and Phillip Portera (Cooper), as well as nieces Lori DeGeus (Tim), Sarah Hampton Cambas (Bryce), and nephew Will Portera (Catherine).

Pallbearers: Will Portera, Tim DeGeus, Steve Portera, Paul Caskey, Jonah Caskey, and Josh Word. Honorary Pallbearers: Joey Michel, Bruff Sanders, Carey Upton, Malcolm Portera, Joe John Portera, Andy Bellanca, and Frank Portera.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, 26707 East Main Street, West Point, MS 39773.

Services will be held at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church on Saturday May 9, 2026:

● Rosary – 9:30 a.m.

● Visitation – 10:00 to 11:00 a.m.

● Funeral Mass – 11:00 a.m.

Burial will follow at Greenwood Cemetery.

Joe’s life was one of love, integrity, and devotion — to God, family, and community. He will be dearly missed

and joyfully remembered by all who were blessed to know him.

04/21/2026

Danny Shelton

Danny Dwight 'Pigskin' Shelton, 77 of West Point, MS passed away on Apil 16, 2026. He was born on July 16, 1948 in West Point to the late Robert Wesley Shelton and Frances Gertrude Stafford. Danny graduated from West Point High School on May 31, 1966, and attended East MS Community College where he was a pitcher on the baseball team. He later earned a Bachelor's and Master's degree in History from MS State University. After completing his education, he built a long and successful career in Memphis, TN working with pediatric and adolescent children in the behavioral unit at the former Mid South Hospital. After leaving there, he moved to Mobile, AL to become a paralegal.

Danny loved all sports, and had a wealth of sports knowledge, but college football was his greatest passion. His nickname, 'Pigskin' suited him perfectly. He enjoyed researching WPHS sports when he had time, and was a researcher for "The History of West Point Football' which was published in 2017.

He loved food and laughter, and he shared both freely with everyone around him. Though he never married, he had an extraordinary number of friends, more than he could ever name, friendships he nurtured with loyalty, humor, and a genuine kindness that made people feel seen and valued.

He adored his nieces and nephew, and he remained close to the cousins he grew up with...Johnny Goode of Birmingham, AL, Jerry Goode (Verniece) of Laurell, MS, Judy Britton (Charlie) of Bedford, TX, Jan Rushing (Mike) of Carrollton, GA, Vickie Coats of Philadelphia, MS and Gene Stafford of Montpelier, MS.

Danny and his siblings, Bobby, Gary, Jimmy and Karen all grew up together in West Point, MS not only loving each other as family, but truly liking each other. That rare and lasting friendship became one of the greatest gifts of their lives.

Danny chose to continue helping others even after his passing by donating his body for medical research, a final act of generosity that reflected the sprit in which he lived.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Bobby Shelton, Gary Shelton; sister-in-law, Becky Shelton.

He is survived by his sister, Karen Shelton Moore (Gary Bartlett Jr.) of West Point; brother Jimmy Shelton of AL, sister-in-law, Lori Schwandner; his beloved nieces, Martha Moore, Angel Gibson (James), Carol Anne Moore, Tifany Moore, Andrea Shelton Tate; great nieces and nephews, Blakely, Den, Kyle, Daniel, Alyssa, Sydney, Ava, Carson, Hanna, Harley and Cyndal.

He had many close friends, Jimmy McKinney, Bud Bowen, Robbie Robinson, David Hill, Donnie and Charlie Dimino, Sammy and Tommy Henley, William and Earl Osborne, Johnny Gilliland, Don Searcy, Billie Wayne Anthony, Ronnie Cliett, Robert Earl Smith, Bob and Boyd Butler, Skippy Taylor, Wayne Keeton, Larry Smothers and Ronnie Moore.

In keeping with Danny's wishes, there will be no formal service. A celebration of life will be held at a later date, where family and friends will gather to remember his humor, his kindness, and the joy he brought into the world.

Memorials may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital PO Box 1000 Dept. 42 Memphis, TN 38105-1942.

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