Obituaries 06-11-26

June 09, 2026

LOLA V. NEWSOME

June 14, 1940-June 9, 2026

Funeral services for Lola V. Newsome, 85, of Millry, Ala., will be at 12 p.m. on Thursday, June 11, 2026 from Sandridge Church of God in Millry, with Rev. Shawn Hales officiating. Visitation will be from 5-8 p.m. on Wednesday, June 10, 2026 from the Parlor of Freeman Funeral Home, followed by a one-hour lie-in-state at the church prior to the service.
Interment will follow at Sandridge Cemetery in Millry.
Born in Laurel on Friday, June 14, 1940 to the late Robert and L.V. Touchstone, she was a member of Sandridge Church of God. She retired as a Seamstress for the Solomon Brothers Factory.
She died on Tuesday, June 9, 2026 at her residence, surrounded by her loving family.
She is survived by her stepson and his spouse, Jerry and Elaine Newsome of Buckatunna; her stepgranddaughter, Kim Newsome of Dahlonega, Ga.; her step-great-granddaughter, Alexis Newsome; two nephews, Roy E. Waite, Jr., of Thomasville, Ala., and Ronald and Debra Waite of Millry; three special great-nieces and two great-nephews who she helped raise as her own grandchildren, Kristen and Peanut Thompson, Erin Waite, Carly McCarty, Joey Waite and Chason Waite; and a host of other nieces, nephews and other family members.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Austin Newsome; her parents, Robert and L.V. Touchstone; her brother, O.D. Touchstone; and her sister, Irene Waite.
The family would like to thank Southern Care Hospice, Dr. Megan Carpenter and caregiver Erin.
An online guestbook can be signed at www.freemanfh.com.
Freeman Funeral Home of Waynesboro is in charge of arrangements.

ROGER LAWRENCE
Sept. 20, 1956-May 31, 2026
Funeral services for Roger Lawrence, 69, of Hattiesburg, will be at 1 
p.m. on Saturday, June 13, 2026 from Mt. Sinai Baptist Church in the 
Bexley community of Lucedale, with Rev. Stan Phillip officiating. 
Visitation will be from 12-1 p.m. on Saturday, June 13, 2026 from Mt. 
Sinai Baptist Church.
Following the funeral service, interment will take place at Mt. Pleasant 
Cemetery in Lucedale.
Born on Sept. 20, 1956, he was a retired Truck Driver.
He died on Sunday, May 31, 2026 at his residence.
He is survived by his wife, Reta Lawrence of Hattiesburg; his sons and 
daughter-in-law, Latroy Ludgood, Darryl and Shellenda Bolton and 
Roderick Bolton; his daughters, Keisha Bolton and Kimberly Bolton; his 
brother, James Miles; his sisters and brothers-in-law, Shirley Riley, 
Mary Ethel and El King, Elizabeth and Charlie Scott and Santina 
Lawrence; seven grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents, four brothers, a grandson and 
his sister.
An online guestbook can be signed at www.turnerfuneralhomems.com.
Turner Funeral Home of Waynesboro is in charge of arrangements.
SADIE RATLIFF
June 1, 1952-June 5, 2026
Vistiation for Sadie Ratliff, 74, of Marion and formerly of Waynesboro, 
will be from 12-5 p.m. on Saturday, June 13 from the Chapel of Turner 
Funeral Home.
Born on June 1, 1952, she was a Medical Billing Consultant.
She died on Friday, June 5, 2026 at Marion Health & Rehabilitation in 
Marion.
An online guestbook can be signed at www.turnerfuneralhomems.com.
Turner Funeral Home of Waynesboro is in charge of arrangements
VIRGINIA ELL KELLEY GUY
May 2, 1940-June 6, 2026
Funeral services for Virginia Ell Kelley Guy, 86, of State Line, were 
conducted on Wednesday, June 10, 2026 from Harvest Temple Church in 
Waynesboro, with Rev. James Walley and Rev. Edward Bean officiating.
Interment followed at Providence Cemetery in State Line.
Born in Greene County on Thursday, May 2, 1940 to the late John Samuel 
Kelley and Lawrettie Lucas Kelley, she was a member of Harvest Temple 
Church. She was a Godly woman who loved serving anywhere needed and will 
always be remembered for helping raise children other than hers.
She loved growing vegetables and flowers and sharing them with others.
She died on Saturday, June 6, 2026 at her residence, surrounded by her 
loving family.
She is survived by two sons and daughters-in-law, Alton Dwayne and Paula 
D. Guy and Phillip Douglas and Pamela Guy, all of State Line; her 
daughter and son-in-law, Karen Guy and Carl Jordan of State Line; eight 
grandchildren, 20 great-grandchildren, a great-great-grandson and a 
great-grandson on the way.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Alton Guy; her father, John 
Samuel Kelley; her mother, Lawrettie Lucas Kelley Davis; five brothers, 
John A. Kelley, George W. "Tiny" Kelley, Homer Paul Kelley, Joe 
Kelley and Jim Kelley; and three sisters, Mary A. Rigney, Naomi 
"Pie" Crager and Deloris Henderson.
Pallbearers were Joshua Guy, Jeremy Jordan, Joseph Guy, Drake Guy, 
Daniel Jordan and Jacob Jordan. Honorary pallbearers were Chase Barnes, 
Dumas Milner and Joshua Cameron Guy.
An online guestbook can be signed at www.freemanfh.com.
Freeman Funeral Home of Waynesboro was in charge of arrangements.
MELTON "WILLIE" BONNER
Aug. 9, 1938-June 5, 2026
Graveside services for Melton "Willie" Bonner, 87, of Waynesboro, 
were conducted on Monday, June 8, 2026 from Chason Cemetery in Wayne 
County, with Rev. John Brown officiating.
Born in Buckatunna on Tuesday, Aug. 9, 1938 to the late Melton R. Bonner 
and Nellie Gray McRae Bonner, he worked as an Operator for Ciba-Geigy.
He loved bluegrass music and found great joy in listening to it, singing 
it and playing it.
He died on Friday, June 5, 2026 at his residence.
He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Elaine Revette Bonner; two 
daughters and a son-in-law, Cindy and Robbie Mason and Tracey Bonner; 
his son and daughter-in-law, Jason and Breanna Bonner; four 
grandchildren and their respective spouses, Justin and Kayla Clark, 
Ashton and Sam Talley, Erin and Derrick Sellers and Sophie Bonner; 11 
great-grandchildren, Leilah, Chris, Baylee, Malachi, Nate, Kobe, Ridge, 
Sylvie Kate, Laton, Kopelyn and Tuck; and his sisters, Sarah McNeese and 
Nellie Walley.
He was preceded in death by his father, Melton R. Bonner; his mother, 
Nellie Gray McRae Bonner; and three brothers, Malcolm Bonner, David 
Bonner and Tommy Bonner.
Pallbearers were Justin Clark, Robbie Mason, Sam Talley, Derrick 
Sellers, Troy Lindsey and Wayne Walley.
An online guestbook can be signed at www.freemanfh.com.
Freeman Funeral Home of Waynesboro was in charge of arrangements.
SHERRY RICHARDSON
Oct. 21, 1974-May 26, 2026
Funeral services for Sherry Richardson, 51, of Buckatunna, were 
conducted on Monday, June 8, 2026 from Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's 
Witnesses, with Brother Scottie Caver officiating.
Interment followed at Philadelphia Cemetery in Buckatunna.
Born on Oct. 21, 1974, she was a former Correctional Officer with the 
Mississippi Department of Corrections.
She died on Tuesday, May 26, 2026 at Forrest General Hospital in 
Hattiesburg.
She is survived by six children, eight brothers, four sisters, a 
granddaughter and her mother.
She was preceded in death by her father, George Ralph Davis, Sr.; and 
her grandmother, Bernadette Forrest.
An online guestbook can be signed at www.turnerfuneralhomems.com.
Turner Funeral Home of Waynesboro was in charge of arrangements.
SELINA MARIE LONG
June 29, 1983-May 30, 2026
Funeral services for Selina Marie Long, 42, of Waynesboro, were 
conducted on Saturday, June 6, 2026 from Chicora United Missionary 
Baptist Church in Buckatunna, with Bishop Karl Rogers officiating.
Born on June 29, 1983, she was a Special Education Teacher at Waynesboro 
Riverview School. She was a member of Sigma Gamma Rho's Eta Tau 
Chapter.
She died on Saturday, May 30, 2026 at Wayne General Hospital.
She is survived by her sister and brother-in-law, Angela and Adrian 
Reddix of Brandon; and her parents, George and Yusun Long of Iuka.
She was preceded in death by her paternal and maternal grandparents and 
an uncle.
An online guestbook can be signed at www.turnerfuneralhomems.com.
Turner Funeral Home of Waynesboro was in charge of arrangements.
KATHERINE L. MELVIN
Dec. 10, 1931-June 5, 2026
Katherine Louise Melvin, 94, of Round Rock, Texas, died on June 5, 2026 
at her residence she she had lived since 2019.
Born on Dec. 10, 1931 in Quitman to Hilburn Curtis and Louise Perry 
Strickland, she was raised primarily in Waynesboro and also lived in 
Meridian for about six years. She graduated from Meridian High School in 
1950. At age 17, she welcomed the birth of her sister, Lynda, while the 
family was living in Meridian.
On July 29, 1957, Katherine married Jimmy Melvin of State Line. The 
couple moved to Burbank, Calif., where Jimmy worked for Lockheed 
Aircraft. A year later, he transferred to Smyrna, Ga. There, Katherine 
worked as a Secretary for the City of Smyrna.
After Jimmy retired from Lockheed, the couple returned to State Line in 
1970 to be close to his mother. Jimmy bought State Line Auto Parts and 
Katherine began a long and dedicated banking career. She worked at First 
National Bank of State Line for 30 years and, later, worked for Great 
Southern National Bank for five years. She was also a faithful member of 
First Baptist Church of State Line for 30 years, serving as both Church 
Clerk and Secretary.
Following Jimmy's death in 2007, Katherine remained in State Line for 
several years before deciding to sell their home and move to Texas to be 
closer to her sister. On July 3, 2019, she became a resident of The 
Court at Round Rock. After settling in, she enjoyed working at the Court 
Country Store and building friendships with fellow residents and staff.
She is survived by her sister, Lynda Davis of Georgetown, Texas; her 
cousins, Judy Boykin of Quitman, Allen Murry of Washington State and 
Bill McGown of Ocean Springs; and many friends and loved ones who will 
cherish her memory.
In accordance with family wishes, no funeral service will be conducted. 
A Celebration of Life will be conducted at The Court at a date and time 
to be announced later. Following the celebration, her ashes will be 
returned to State Line, where she will be laid to rest alongside Jimmy, 
her husband of 50 years.
The family is grateful for your kindness and support. Those wishing to 
honor Katherine's memory may make a donation to First Baptist Church 
of State Line or Hospice Foundation of America online at 
hospicefoundation.org/donate or by check to Hospice Foundation of 
American, 1707 L St. NW, Suite 220, Washington, DC 20036.
LEVESTER "BOOM" BONNER
Feb. 19, 1964-May 23, 2026
Funeral services for Levester "Boom" Bonner, 62, of Beaumont and 
formerly of Waynesboro, were conducted on Friday, June 5, 2026 from 
Pineville Missionary Baptist Church.
Interment followed at Bonner Cemetery in Waynesboro.
Born on Feb. 19, 1964, he was a former Lumber Grader with Hood 
Industries.
He died on Saturday, May 23, 2026 at his residence.
He is survived by his wife, Bianca Bonner; his sons and brothers-in-law, 
Levester and Tiarra Bonner, Jr., of Chicago, Ill. and Sylvester and 
Alexis Bonner of Waynesboro; his daughter, Trishambia Bonner of 
Douglasville, Ga.; his brothers and sisters-in-law, Jimmie L. Bonner, 
Levoner and Ollie Mae Bonner, Leon and Charity Bonner and Lonnie and 
Lula Mae Bonner; his sisters and brothers-in-law, Yvonne Bonner, Yonia 
and Michael Williamson, Juanita Joens and Drucilla Bonner; and 15 
grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents, a daughter, a grandson, his 
father- and mother-in-law, a brother, two sisters and three 
brothers-in-law.
An online guestbook can be signed at www.turnerfuneralhomems.com.
Turner Funeral Home of Waynesboro was in charge of arrangements.
ERASMUS DAVID TOUCHSTONE
Sept. 5, 1956-June 3, 2026
Graveside services for Erasmus David Touchstone, 69, of Leakesville, 
were conducted on Saturday, June 6, 2026 from Zion's Rest Cemetery in 
Eucutta, with Rev. Scott Hathorn officiating.
Born in Waynesboro on Wednesday, Sept. 5, 1956 to the late James Edward 
Touchstone and Mary Francis Dyess, he worked as a Heavy Equipment 
Operator for J.J. Pryor Construction.
He died on Wednesday, June 3, 2026 at Greene County Hospital in 
Leakesville.
He is survived by his brothers and sisters-in-law, Thomas E. and Shirley 
Touchstone and Eddie R. and Cinde Touchstone, all of Prentiss; his 
sister, Sherry T. Guillory of Mobile, Ala.; four nieces, Connie 
Touchstone, Nathasha Touchstone, Michelle Vilamaa and Megan Owens; his 
nephew, David Guillory; his aunt, Naomi Dyess Matros; and 11 
great-nieces and great-nephews.
He was preceded in death by his father, James Edward Touchstone; his 
mother, Mary Francis Dyess; two brothers, John L. Touchstone and Michael 
W. Touchstone; and a nephew, Russell E. Touchstone.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Zion Rest Cemetery for 
upkeep.
An online guestbook can be signed at www.freemanfh.com.
Freeman Funeral Home of Waynesboro was in charge of arrangements.
TRAVIS HODGE
Dec. 15, 1967-May 27, 2026
Funeral services for Travis Hodge, 58, of Clara, were conducted on 
Wednesday, June 3, 2026 from the Chapel of Turner Funeral Home, with 
Brother Josh West officiating.
Interment followed at West Cemetery in Clara.
Born on Dec. 15, 1967, he died on Wednesday, May 27, 2026 at Wayne 
General Hospital.
He is survived by his wife, Joyce Marie Hodge; his son, Treaver Eli 
Hodge; his sister, Rebecca Graham; and his mother, Joe Evelyn Chandler.
He was preceded in death by his father, a daughter and five brothers.
An online guestbook can be signed at www.turnerfuneralhomems.com.
Turner Funeral Home of Waynesboro was in charge of arrangements.
SHELIA ANNETTE HOLIFIELD HUDSON
Feb. 2, 1970-May 15, 2026
Funeral services for Shelia Annette Holifield Hudson, 56, of Waynesboro 
were conducted on Sunday, May 17, 2026 from Waynesboro First Assembly of 
God Church in Waynesboro, with Rev. Jimmie Smith, Rev. Nick Holifield 
and Rev. Johnathon Johnson officiating.
Interment followed at Maynor Creek Cemetery in Waynesboro.
Born in Waynesboro on Monday, Feb. 2, 1970 to the late Percy Holifield, 
Sr., and Hazel Lindsey Holifield, she was a member of Waynesboro First 
Assembly of God.
She died on Friday, May 15, 2026 at her residence.
She is survived by her husband, Harold Hudson of Clara; three sons and 
daughters-in-law, Devin and Katelyn McIlwain of Buckatunna, Jaymin and 
Sophie Hudson of Waynesboro and Ellis and Samantha Hudson of Clara; two 
daughters and a son-in-law, Candace and Shad Cooley and Heather Hudson, 
all of Waynesboro; her brother and sister-in-law, Percy and Misty 
Holifield, Jr., of Waynesboro; four sisters and and brothers-in-law, Sue 
and Terry Sikes and Carol and George Raines, all of Silas, Ala., Melba 
Diane and Wayne Dearman of Waynesboro and Donna and Jimmy Johnson of 
Gilbertown, Ala.; her grandchildren, Rylie, Addely, Gavin, Brielyn, 
Josie, Kaylee, Kaitlyn, Kolton, Joseph, Eli, Emma and Finn; and four 
great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents and two daughters, Jayla and 
Kayla Hudson.
An online guestbook can be signed at www.freemanfh.com.
Freeman Funeral Home of Waynesboro was in charge of arrangements.