Bro. John Sharp,76, passed away October 07, 2025.
Survivors:
Wife of 56 years: Jan Sharp
2 Sons: Jonathan Sharp (Bethany) and Justin Sharp
2 Grandchildren: Eliana and Isabella Sharp
1 Brother: Bill Sharp
He is also survived by numerous cousins and a countless number of friends.
Bro. Sharp is preceded in death by his mother, Mildred Bassett Sharp and father, John E. Sharp, Sr.
Pallbearers: Randy Bell, Greg Trim, Jimmy Glenn, Ricky Smith, Barry Graham, Ricky Wilkerson, Michael Weaver, and Steve Robinson.
Bro. John Sharp will be remembered for his many years of serving the Lord. Throughout his years of service, he pastored eight churches over a span of 50 years. In the later years of his ministry, he served as an interim pastor for two churches. Bro. John was the director of Missions for Scott County and Newton County for six years. After retirement, Bro. John continued to do supply ministry. His life was centered around sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ. He also had a love of collecting Antiques and made many friends throughout the years doing so.
Foy Edwin Killingsworth, age 98, a devoted servant of the Lord and beloved husband, father, and grandfather, entered his eternal rest on September 25, 2025. He was born on March 30, 1927, in Belk, Alabama, and spent the majority of his adult life in Mendenhall, Mississippi.
Rev. Killingsworth faithfully pastored for 62 years. He began his ministry at Rose Hill Church in Mize, MS, and over the decades went on to serve in churches throughout Madison, Simpson, and Covington counties, concluding his calling at Weathersby Baptist Church in Mendenhall, where he faithfully served for 22 years. His commitment to sharing the Gospel and shepherding his congregations left a lasting impact on countless lives.
Beyond the pulpit, he was a man of many talents and passions. He loved his family dearly, was an avid and skillful woodworker, and enjoyed spending peaceful hours fishing. Above all, his life was marked by his unwavering devotion to the Lord.
He was preceded in death by his parents, five siblings, and his wife of 69 years, Laura Killingsworth.
He is survived by his three children: Mark (Rheba) Killingsworth, Randy (Donna) Killingsworth, and Karen (Jimmy) Johnson; six grandchildren: Kristal (Stephen) Lane, Jami (Jody) Britt, Juli Johnson, Lindsey (Mike) Vega, Meredith Killingsworth, and Mikaela Killingsworth; and eight great-grandchildren: Marley, Maddie Kate, Jaden, Chloe, Aubrey, Hanna, Kayla, and Jake.
Rev. Killingsworth’s legacy of faith, love, and service will continue to inspire all who knew and loved him.
David W. Koons, 84, a retired minister, died September 11, 2025, at his residence. Meredith Nowell Funeral Home in Clarksdale, MS, is handling the arrangements.
David had served in the Navy during the early 1960s and was stationed on the aircraft carrier USS Saratoga. His extraordinary 59-year ministry was a testament to his unwavering commitment and unrelenting passion. In the mid- 70’s, he ignited a love of learning in young minds teaching 5th and 6th grades in Concord, Michigan, and shared his strategic thinking expertise through chess club instruction.
Survivors include his wife of 61 years Norma Jean Wireman Koons of Horn Lake, MS; daughters Melissa Simmons of Horn Lake, MS & Staci (Glen) Campbell of Bloomington Springs, TN; brother Teddy Koons (Vivian) of Homer, MI; five grandchildren Tirzah (John) Rowland, Jacob Simmons, Sabrina (Jonathon) Carlson, Marcus (Hali) Cripps, Alex Cripps; two great grandchildren Oliver Rowland & Spencer Carlson; many family & friends.
Preceded in death by his parents Wesley & Hazel Rowley Koons; brothers Wesley Bernard Koons Jr. & Weston Charles Koons; sister Nancy Miller.
Dr. Edgar Lee Wright, 85, of Natchez, MS passed away on September17, 2025. He was born in Electric Mills, MS on June 25,1940 to Lee Edwin and Maggie Faye Wright.
He was a member of First Baptist Church Natchez. He spent his life in service to the Lord as a minister at Arkadelphia Baptist Church in Bailey, MS for 2 years, New Sight Baptist Church in Brookhaven, MS for 27 years, and Morgantown Baptist Church in Natchez, MS for 15 years. He was a gradate of Meridian High School, William Carey College, and Received his Doctor of Theology from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary.
Dr. Wright married his beautiful wife, Marguerite, they were married for 63 years and had three children, Steve, Day and Stan. In addition to his service to the Lord, he enjoyed cooking, singing, sports, and of course his family. He was known for his witty sense of humor and joking personality.
He was preceded in death by his parents, sisters Lera Faye Henson, Margaret Allen and his precious daughter Day Pipper. Dr. Wright is survived by his wife Marguerite, sons Steve Wright wife Tracy of Brookhaven and Stan Wright wife Christy of Gulf Breeze, Florida, grandchildren Hope Carr, Nicholas Manton, Stevie Ann Leggett, Jordyn Wright and Sawyer Wright, greatgrandchildren Charlie Ann, Cooper, and Callum Carr, Ryder and Willa Stephens, Walker and Levi Manton, Riggins and Lottie Ann Leggett; along with many other special loved ones.
The family would like to offer a thank you to many friends and family for their love, prayers, and support at this time.
Rev. Jimmie Dale Houston, 86, of Summit, MS went into the loving arms of his Lord Jesus Christ on Saturday, September 6, 2025 at his residence. He was born in Sarah, MS on January 30, 1939 to Frank Houston and Lois Spencer Houston.
He was a pastor for over 50 years, faithfully preaching the Gospel of Jesus Christ. He was a member of Bogue Chitto Baptist Church Carter’s Creek.
Bro. Jimmie was preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Lois Houston; sisters Kathryn Sinquefield and Dorothy Wade; and brother Pete Houston.
Survivors are his wife of 65 years, Joyce Grady Houston; sons Tim Houston (Beth) and Bart Houston (Angela); grandchildren, Jason Houston (Kelly), Chance Houston (Julia); great grandchildren Ahlyana, Zander, Kylar, Caroline, and Laura Houston.
In lieu of flowers the family has requested donations be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital 501 St. Jude Place Memphis TN 38105.
The family would like to give thanks to all the people who prayed for Rev. Houston during this time.
Bro. Paul Wade Morris, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend, passed away after an extended illness on September 7, 2025, at the age of 58 at Baptist Memorial Hospital in Oxford. Born on July 13, 1967, in Vardaman, Mississippi to the late Thomas and Mary Morris, Paul lived a life dedicated to his family, faith, and service to his country.
Paul graduated from Bruce High School in 1986 before enlisting in the United States Air Force on May 26, 1989. He served his country with honor until his discharge on May 25, 1993, achieving the rank of Sergeant (E-4). During his service, Paul was awarded several commendations, including the Air Force Good Conduct Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, the Air Force Longevity Service Award Ribbon, and the Air Force Training Ribbon. It was during his time in the Air Force that he met his loving wife, Melissa, the mother of his three children.
Paul pursued a career as a Radiology Technologist at Baptist Calhoun, where he dedicated himself to the healthcare of his community until his retirement. His compassion and expertise in radiology left a lasting impact on the lives he touched.
Paul was an ordained Baptist minister, having been ordained in 1997. His heart was dedicated to preaching the gospel, and he was an active member of the Bruce First Baptist Church, where his faith flourished. Paul loved to play the drums and guitar, often sharing his musical talents with family and friends. He had a deep affection for gardening and spending time outdoors, nurturing both his plants and his relationships.
Paul is survived by his devoted wife, Melissa Eckhardt Morris; his daughters, McKenzie (Clay) Hathcock of Sallis, MS and Hannah Morris of Bruce, MS; his son, Adam Morris of Bruce, MS; his cherished grandchild, Walt Hathcock of Sallis, MS; and his brother, Marvin (Sandra) Morris of Pittsboro, MS. Each of them will carry forward his legacy of love, kindness, and faith.
A public viewing will be held at Parker Memorial Funeral Home on September 9, 2025, from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM, allowing friends and family to pay their respects. A funeral service will take place at the Parker Memorial Funeral Home Chapel on September 10, 2025, at 2:00 PM with Dr. Ryan Reed and Bro. Darrell Logan officiating, where loved ones will gather to celebrate Paul’s life and the indelible mark, he made on all who knew him. Following the service, he will be laid to rest at Poplar Springs Cemetery in Vardaman, Mississippi with Air Force Military Honors, where he will be among the blossoms of the gardens he cherished.
Serving as Pallbearers will be Kenny Adams, Earl Adams, Danny Sanders, Damon Bumgart, Trent Long, Greg Owens, Dr. Willie Wells, and Josh Morgan. Along with honorary pallbearers Joey Poteete, Miles Jeffery, Tony Owens, Gerald Newman, and Mike Silas.
In remembrance of Bro. Paul Wade Morris, may we be inspired by his unwavering faith, dedication to family, and love of life. He will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him.
Paul was preceded in death by his father, Thomas L. Morris, mother, Mary Newman Morris and brother, Terry Lane Morris
Rev. Bobby Nowell Parish, 87, of Weir, MS, a dedicated servant of the Lord, passed away on Sunday, August 31, 2025, at his home surrounded by family. He served the Lord faithfully as a Minister of the Gospel for 54 years, and lived a life dedicated to the Lord and to his family.
Bro. Bobby was born in McCool, MS on December 11, 1937. He was the son of Dewey and Mary Jane Nowell Parish. After graduating from Weir High School, he joined and served in the U.S. Air Force in the U.S and Japan, from 1957-1961. After leaving the service, he worked for several years in Texas before being led by the Lord to enter the ministry. Bro. Bobby surrendered his life to become a Southern Baptist Minister in 1969. He served multiple churches across Louisiana and Mississippi from 1969-2023. While serving his first church, Singer Baptist Church, Singer, LA, he completed his bachelor’sdegree from Louisiana College. Other churches pastored include Ball Baptist Church, Ball, LA; Center Grove Baptist Church, Maben, MS; Benton Baptist Church, Benton, MS; Liberty Baptist Church, Noxapater, MS; New Haven Baptist Church, Weir, MS; Mashulaville Baptist Church, Macon, MS; McCool Baptist Church, McCool, MS; and Hopewell Baptist Church, Weir, MS. He fully retired from the ministry two years ago at the age of 85.
Those left to cherish his memory include his wife of 68 years, Annie “Jo” King Parish of Weir, MS; his sons, Ken (Robin) Parish of Black Mountain, NC and Don (Sonja) Parish of Mathiston, MS; his daughter, Betty (Keith) Yeatman of Maben, MS; his five grandchildren Chance (Tabitha) Parish of Eupora, MS, Zak Parish of Hickory, NC, Cory (Christina) Parish of Eupora, MS, Hannah (Mark) Parish-Dunsworth of St. Paul, MN, and Sarah Grace (David) Broom of Maben, MS; and his eightgreat-grandchildren, Jedidiah, Savannah Grace, Annie Kate, Addie, Cooper, Ellie, Chancey, and Elsie; and a host of nieces and nephews and extended family.
He was preceded in death by his dearly loved and deeply missed parents, and four brothers and six sisters. He was the last surviving of eleven children.
Bro. Bobby loved his family and loved spending time with them, especially his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. His many joys also included woodworking. As a result, inside the family home you can find many pieces of hand-made wooden furniture: tables, cabinets, bookshelves, beds, and many other projects. He enjoyed working in his shop, gardening, reading, fishing, hunting (in younger years), and visiting friends and members of his church congregation. More than anything else, he loved the simple things of life and loved the Lord!
Gary Pettit, devoted husband, loving father, and faithful servant of God, entered his heavenly home on Thursday, August 14th at Sanctuary Hospice House surrounded by his family after an extended battle with cancer. Born on August 3rd, 1950, Gary spent his life sharing the Gospel, ministering to others, and living out his unwavering faith in Jesus Christ. He accepted Christ as his Lord and Savior on July 10th, 1981 and surrendered to the ministry shortly thereafter, pastoring several beloved churches in the area. As a dedicated preacher, he touched countless hearts with his words, his kindness, and his example, leaving behind a legacy of love, integrity, and service that will endure for generations to come. Gary’s sermons and counsel offered hope, encouragement, and the reminder that God’s grace is always sufficient. Throughout his ministry, he served as a bi-vocational pastor, balancing his pastoral work with a long career in the oil industry. Most recently, he proudly worked for Robbins Oil Company, which he considered as family, for the past 20 years. Since his cancer diagnosis in 2019, he continued to fulfill his calling, preaching the gospel and leading 30 people to the Lord. As part of his ministry he also served on the board of directors for Global Outreach, serving on mission trips to Belize and South Dakota. In addition, he was a firm believer and supporter in local missions within our own community and gave frequently to local causes and helped those in need. His faith was the cornerstone of his life. As an avid Ole Miss fan, he gave to the university and was a season ticket holder for multiple sporting events throughout the years.
Gary was a devoted and loving husband to his wife, Donna. Their marriage was a testament to enduring love and faithfulness. Together, they built a home centered on faith and family, supporting each other through life’s challenges and joys. Gary was the proud father of two daughters, whom he guided with patience, wisdom, and steadfast love. He not only taught them the truths of scripture but also modeled what it meant to live a life of humility, compassion, and perseverance.
Gary is survived by his beloved wife of 54 years, Donna Russell Pettit, whom he married on December 19th, 1970 and his two daughters, Dr. Andrea Warren (Greg) and Allison Armstrong (Cory). His daughters blessed him with six precious grandchildren who were the light of his life: Alivia Warren, Hayden Baker (Katie), Eli Baker, Cade Armstrong (Katie), Conner Armstrong, and Kayleigh Armstrong. In 2024 he was blessed to welcome his first great grandchild, Jack Gregory (JG) Baker whom he loved and doted on every chance he could. He also leaves behind a host of precious family members.
He is preceded in death by his parents Dock and Mary Ruth Pettit and his sister Carol Newell (Keith).
David Tim Cline, 76, was born at Carle Hospital in Champaign, Urbana Illinois on May 21, 1949. He grew up in the small rural town of Sidney, Illinois. He graduated from Unity High School and six months later enlisted in the US Marine Corps. He was a computer programmer for the A6 aircraft. While attending electrical school in Millington, TN he met his future wife, Betty Jo Martin who was attending nursing school at Baptist Memorial Hospital in Memphis, TN. They were married four months later. He served in the US Marine Corps for four years, and served in Vietnam in 1970. After discharge he and Betty Jo moved to Urbana, IL where he served as a youth pastor at Bible Baptist Church.
They moved to Springfield, MO and attended Baptist Bible College. Their daughters Cristi Jo and Paulette Renee were born while they were in school. He was called as assistant pastor for Lumpkin Road Babtist Church in Augusta, GA until 1979. Tim and Betty Jo returned to Memphis, TN where Tim started his own cabinet business, Cline Craft Custom Woodworking. They served in Colonial Hills Baptist Church in a lay ministry compacity. God later called Tim to pastor Macedonia Baptist Church, Days Baptist Church, Arkabutla Baptist Church, and Love Community Church all in north Mississippi. After retiring Tim and Betty Jo attended Longview Point Baptist Church in Hernando, MS.
Due to his declining health they moved to Humboldt, TN to be closer to their daughter Paulette and family. He was hospitalized on June 2, 2025 with congestive heart failure. He spent a month in Avondale Health and Rehabilitation before his death on July 19, 2025 at Jackson Madison General Hospital.
He was devoted to his church congregations, his wife, children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. He loved the Lord and was a valiant prayer warrior, even praying with other patients and a hospital technician the day before his death.
Mr. Cline is preceded in death by his parents, Fredd Lee Cline and Irene Gilland. Mr. Cline is survived by his wife, Betty Jo Cline of Humboldt, TN; two daughters, Cristi Jo Ginn of Paducah, KY and Paulette Renee Baughman of Trenton, TN; eight grandchildren, David Andrew Abraham, Andrew Christian Baughman, Emily Ann Baughman, Victoria Elisabeth Henke, Wesley Jacob Ginn, Valerie Elaine Topper, Stephen James Ginn, and Anna Gail Ginn; nine great grandchildren; two sisters, Barbara Bean of Central City, Iowa and Nancy Ruwe of Fairmont, IL; and two brothers, Robert Lee Cline of Monticello, IN and Fred Cline of Danville, IN.
We praise God for the life Tim lived, the humor and jokes he shard and the love he bestowed. Yes, he will be greatly missed, but we will see him again in heaven.
Robert Preston Cooper, Jr., 74, of Hattiesburg, passed away on Monday, July 14, 2025. A devoted man of faith, Rev. Robert was a beloved member of Providence Baptist Church. Throughout his life, Rev. Robert pastored several churches. His days were often spent in quiet study of the Bible and reading faith-based literature. He was a loving husband, father and grandfather.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Evie Cooper and his sisters, Lolita Solomon and Jennie V Crapse.
He is survived by his loving wife of 55 years, Sue Cooper; his daughter, Jennifer Minton (Manning); his son, Preston Cooper; three grandchildren, William Minton (Alley), Emily Minton, and Matthew Minton; his sisters, Retha Schanrock and Juanice Ballard (Teddy); and numerous nieces and nephews.
Bro. Vernell Daniels was a native and longtime resident of Neshoba County. He worked in construction early in life and felt the Lord calling him to preach the Gospel in April of 1961. Bro. Daniels was blessed to be able to pastor at many Baptist churches, including New Pleasant Dale, New Harmony, First Baptist in Union, Calvary, Fellowship, New Bethel, Black Jack, Salem (Neshoba County), Zama (Attala County), Sardis, Salem (Kemper County), and Dry Creek. He served as a minister for over 64 years.
Survivors include his; sons, Stan (Lisa) Daniels and James Daniels, daughter, Lori (Joe) Weatherford; three step-daughters, Ellie (Joe) Mitchell, Tina (Steve) Seale, and Jami (Robert) O’Quin; step-son, Lester Close; grandchildren, Carmen James, Roger Cameron, Kayla (Jason) Vance, Kelly (Chris) Kelley, Miriam Seale, Abby Seale, Victoria O’Quin and John (Haley) O’Quin; great-grandchildren, Jesse, Marlie, Jack, Meri Claire, Mabry, Truett and Kit;; brother, Garnell Daniels; a host of nieces and nephews.
Preceded in death by his wife Carolyn Daniels, grandson, Michael Daniels, step-daughter, Julie Darm, parents, Gaston D. and Evelyn Parker Daniels, sister, Alma Bane, brothers, G.D. Daniels and Harold W. Daniels.
Joe Weideman Armour, Jr., loving husband, father, and retired Baptist minister, passed away peacefully on July 4, 2025, following a brief illness. He entered into the presence of his Lord, whom he faithfully served throughout his life.
Joe was born on August 21, 1952, in Memphis, Tennessee, to Joe Weideman Armour and Betty Ruth Lanier Armour. He was raised on a dairy farm in Cayce, Mississippi, alongside his two older sisters. It was there he developed a strong work ethic, deep family bonds, and his characteristic humility. He often credited the ornery cows for “putting him through college and keeping him out of trouble.”
He attended Byhalia Attendance School for eleven and a half years before graduating from Marshall Academy in 1970, excelling in academics, sports, and FFA. Joe accepted Christ as his Savior at age ten, but a two week revival in 1970 at Forest Hill Baptist Church in Germantown, Tennessee, was a turning point in his spiritual life. It profoundly shaped the way he approached God and others and remained a milestone in his journey of faith.
Joe went on to attend Mississippi State University, where he earned both a Bachelor of Science and a Master of Science in Agronomy. During his time at MSU, he formed lifelong friendships through Phi Kappa Tau and the Baptist Student Union, and served enthusiastically as the university’s mascot “Bully” and later as a cheerleader. While completing his master’s degree, he also served and lived at Palmer Home for Children.
Joe began his professional career in agronomy as an extension agent and the “cotton man” in Star City, Arkansas, and Clarksdale and Cleveland, Mississippi. However, it was during this time that Joe felt God calling him to full-time ministry. After months of prayer and discernment, he enrolled at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth, Texas, earning both a Master of Divinity and a Master of Religious Education in 1987. While in seminary, Joe served as the Baptist Student Union Director at the University of Texas at Dallas and was actively involved at Wedgewood Baptist Church, University Baptist Church, and Travis Avenue Baptist Church. It was during this season that he met and courted his beloved wife, Lynn Bell of Moultrie, Georgia. Their 40-year marriage stood as a testament to enduring love and partnership, their devotion to one another evident in every joy and challenge they faced together, especially during Joe’s final days.
Joe served faithfully in ministry for nearly four decades. He served on staff at First Baptist Church in Tupelo, Mississippi (1987–1993), First Baptist Church in Clinton, Mississippi (1993–1997), First Baptist Church in Mt. Washington, Kentucky (1997–2000), Forest Hills Baptist Church in Nashville, Tennessee (2001–2006), and First Baptist Church in Tuscaloosa, Alabama (2006–2024). In each of these congregations, Joe built lasting friendships and left a meaningful impact. He was active and held leadership roles in regional and state Religious Educators Associations and valued the relationships and shared mission he found among fellow ministers.
Joe had a profound love for the church. He believed in the power of the local church to serve as God’s hands and feet. He attended faithfully, served joyfully, and supported missions both locally and globally. His life reflected unwavering faith, integrity, and love for Christ’s body.
Joe was a student of the Bible, passionate about studying, teaching, and memorizing Scripture. He lived by the belief that his actions could reflect Christ to the world, and his favorite verse, 2 Corinthians 5:21, motivated his ministry and life. His calling, as he described it, was “to equip the saints to live out and share the Gospel of Jesus Christ.”
He remained close to his extended family, including his sisters, stepbrothers, in-laws, and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. He was instrumental in the development of a corporation to perpetuate the New Salem Cemetery in Cayce, Mississippi, where many of the families’ ancestors were buried.
Joe is preceded in death by his parents, his stepmother Virginia Rickman Armour, and his stepbrother John Rickman. He is survived by his wife, Lynn Bell Armour; his sons, Joseph Armour and his wife Emily, and Harrison Armour; his daughter, Jane Frances Armour; and his granddaughter, Claire Kennedy Armour. He is also survived by his sisters, Betsy Gumpert (Al) and Sarah Harris (Richard); his stepbrother, David Rickman; his in-laws, Jan Bell, Rick and Nancy Bell, Cleve and Marsha Bell, and Kim and Ash Grimmett; and by many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends who loved him dearly.
Charles Hurshell Jones, 88, of Ellisville, Mississippi, passed away on July 6, 2025, at the Asbury Hospice House in Hattiesburg, Mississippi. He was born February 22, 1937, in Laurel, Mississippi.
Visitation will be held on Friday, July 11, 2025, from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. and before the funeral service on Saturday, July 12, 2025, from 10:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. at Pine Grove Baptist Church, 792-Hwy 590, Ellisville, Mississippi; with funeral services beginning at 11:00. Burial will follow in Gandy Cemetery in Ellisville. Officiant will be Rev. Greg Gavin. Ellisville Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements (601-477-3797).
Charles grew up in Laurel, Mississippi where he graduated from George S. Gardiner High School in 1954. There, he excelled at playing trumpet in the band and pitching on the baseball team. Having skipped grades from being promoted in elementary school, he graduated from high school at the young age of 16. After graduating, his father said he had to learn a trade and get a job, so he worked as a brick layer’s apprentice for two years before becoming a licensed brick mason. In addition, he attended Jones County Junior College where he continued his participation in the band and on the baseball team. He was quite successful as a pitcher there. A Laurel Leader-Call article describes how he once struck out 16 batters in a single game. After junior college, he played professional baseball on minor league teams in Florida and Texas before getting married and deciding to return to Mississippi to start a family with his bride, Hazel Hill Jones.
Back in Ellisville, he began teaching a large adult Sunday School class at Pine Grove Baptist Church, and it was there that he received the call to preach and was ordained as a Southern Baptist minister. The family moved to Morton, Mississippi so that Charles could attend Clarke College, a two-year Baptist College, to pursue Biblical studies. While there, he pastored his first church, New Zion Baptist Church, in Newton.
After graduating from Clarke College, he attended William Carey College in Hattiesburg, while pastoring Pecan Grove Baptist Church in Ellisville. After graduation, he became pastor at Hardy Baptist Church in Grenada, Mississippi. Later, he pastored the First Baptist Church of Nicholson, another term at Hardy Baptist, Star Baptist Church in Star, and Harmony Baptist Church in Laurel. While at Harmony Baptist, he was appointed as the Associate Director of Missions for the Jones County Baptist Association where he focused on jail and prison ministries. As a result of this experience, the Southern Baptist Convention Board appointed Charles and his wife, Hazel, as home missionaries to do prison ministries in the Mississippi Delta at the Mississippi State Penitentiary in Parchman. In addition, he served as the Director of Missions for the Sunflower County Baptist Association. While in the Delta, he also served as pastor of Linn Baptist Church. Eventually, the Mississippi Baptist Convention Board appointed him Director of Prison Ministries for the entire state. As he neared retirement, he returned to Ellisville where he served as interim and/or supply pastor at numerous churches in the Jones County area including a term at the First Baptist Church of Sharon.
In all of these endeavors, he was a true servant who strongly valued the relationships that he formed. He was a great listener who had a heart full of compassion and understanding Charles was devoted to his children and grandchildren and spent as much time as possible with them. He enjoyed playing catch and teaching baseball skills, helping them with the animals for their 4-H and FFA projects, and working in the garden. He traveled hundreds of miles to attend their many sporting, music, and school events. Before he passed away, he said that he loved every minute of it, and he would do it all again.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Hazel Hill Jones; his parents, Harmon Eugene Jones and Myra Lucille Jones; a sister, Helen Young; a brother, Pascal Gene Jones; a daughter-in-law, Julie Jones; and a granddaughter, Heather Weber. Survivors include his children, Charles H. Jones, Jr. (Angela) of Madison, Mississippi; Timothy Jones of Sweetwater, Tennessee; Pamela Jones (Luigi Zaninelli) of Hattiesburg, Mississippi; Stan Jones (Nina) of Henderson, Nevada; Gene Jones (Debra) of Murfreesboro, Tennessee; grandchildren, Alex Morgan (Calvin), Gabe Jones, Olivia Jones, Josh Weber (Christy), Gian Luigi Zaninelli, Tyler Jones, Thomas Jones, Emma Jones, and Jack Jones; six great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends.
