Obituaries 04-17-25

WELDON BRIAN KEITH

Dec. 23, 1972-April 13, 2025

Funeral services for Weldon Brian Keith, 52, of Clara, were conducted on 
Wednesday, April 16, 2025 from the Chapel of Freeman Funeral Home, with 
Rev. Matt Olson and Rev. Drew Holifield officiating.

Interment followed at Salem Cemetery in Wayne County.

Born in Laurel on Saturday, Dec. 23, 1972 to Diane and Eudell Keith, he 
was a member of Big Creek Baptist Church. He retired as Part Sales 
Manager with Empire Truck Sales in Meridian.

He died on Sunday, April 13, 2025 at Merit Health Wesley in Hattiesburg.

He is survived by his parents, Diane and Eudell Keith of Clara; his son, 
Noah Keith of Magee; his brother and sister-in-law, Brad and Laila Keith 
of Laurel; his aunt, Vivian Hutto of Clara; his niece, Alissa Roberts; 
and a host of cousins.

He was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, Victor and 
Mildred Shows; his paternal grandparents, Weldon and Earline Keith; and 
his aunts and uncles, Clifford Hutto, Kennis Keith, Carroll Keith and 
Dorothy West.

An online guestbook can be signed at www.freemanfh.com.

Freeman Funeral Home of Waynesboro was in charge of arrangements.

HOWARD ELI WIMBERLY

Sept. 17, 1944-April 9, 2025

A private memorial service in honor of Howard Eli Wimberly, 80, will be 
conducted at a later date.

Born on Sept. 17, 1944 in Laurel to the late William and Elsie Wimberly, 
he lived a life defined by hard work, devotion to family and a passion 
of the land. A true rancher at heart, he found joy and purpose in caring 
for his horses and working the land he loved.

He also enjoyed a fulfilling 20-year career as a Truck Driver, a 
profession that suited his independent spirit and love for the open 
road. Beyond his work, he was an avid collector of firearms, drawn to 
the craftsmanship and history each piece carried. His hands-on approach 
to life and attention to detail were evident in everything he did — 
from ranching to driving to curating his collection.

A beloved father, grandfather, great-grandfather, Veteran, rancher and 
friend, he died peacefully on April 9, 2025.

He is survived by his son and daughter-in-law, William Eli and Laura 
Wimberly; his daughter and son-in-law, Amy Ruth and Tracy Hudgins; his 
siblings and their spouses, Edward and Joyce Wimberly, Sue Wimberly, 
Faye Walters and JoAnn Wimberly; six grandchildren and three 
great-grandchildren.

His love for his family was the foundation of his life, and his legacy 
lives on in the many lives he touched.

He will be remembers not only for his unwavering work ethic and quiet 
strength, but also for his genuine kindness and the wisdom he offered in 
few but well-chosen words. he was a man who made an impact simply by 
being himself.

Howard will be deeply missed but never forgotten. May he rest in peace, 
knowing the love and respect he earned from all who knew him.

RICKY LAMAR FRANKS

Sept. 19, 1981-April 3, 2025

Graveside services for Ricky Lamar Franks, 43, of State Line, were 
conducted on Saturday April 12, 2025 from Simpson Cemetery in State 
Line, with Rev. Cedric Smith officiating.

Born on Sept. 19, 1981, he was an Auto Mechanic.

He died on Thursday, April 3, 2025 at his residence.

He is survived by his son and his finance, Ricky L. Franks, Jr., and 
Katrine Shannon of Pearl; his mother, Dorothy Franks of Clinton; his 
siblings and their spouses, Contona and Marcus Collins, Laqaunda and 
Samuel Gray, Cheryl Davis, Tyron and Crystal Franks of Arlington, Texas 
and Latonia Franks of Worland, Wyo.; seven aunts, 10 nieces, six great 
nieces, six uncles, a host of cousins and friends, childhood friend 
Ferez Haley, friend Timothy McGee, three uncles and five aunts.

He was preceded in death by his father, Tyron Franks, Sr.; his sister, 
Camella L. Franks; and his grandparents, Machi and Addie D. Franks and 
Freedie L. and Shirley J. Talbert.

McDonald and Sons Funeral Home of Waynesboro was in charge of 
arrangements.

CATHERINE ANN WALKER

Nov. 12, 1951-April 5, 2025

Funeral services for Catherine Ann Walker, 73, of State Line, where 
conducted on Friday, April 11, 2025 from Mt. Olive Baptist Church in 
State Line, with Pastor Cedric Smith officiating.

Interment followed at Simpson Cemetery in State Line.

Born on Nov. 12, 1951, she was a Cashier with Canteen Corporation at 
O'Hare International Airport in Chicago, Ill.

She died on Saturday, April 5, 2025 at Forrest General Hospital in 
Hattiesburg.

She is survived by her husband, Claude M. Walker; her son and 
daughter-in-law, Ceaser and Chabi Crawford, Jr., of Houston, Texas; her 
daughters, Rachel Crawford and Jessica Jackson, both of Chicago; her 
grandchildren, Jamere Crawford and Wayne Crawford; her children from 
love and their respective spouses, Rachel and John Johnson, Claude 
Owens, Jeffery Owens and Jone't Johnson; and a host of nieces, nephews, 
cousins and friends.

She was preceded in death by her mother, Ophelia Leverette; and her 
brother and sister-in-law, James and Linda Leverette.

McDonald and Sons Funeral Home of Waynesboro was in charge of 
arrangements.