Sammy Coker, 77, passed away at the Baptist Memorial Hospital in New Albany on Thursday, January 15, 2026. He enjoyed being outdoors, hunting, riding his side by side and working in his garden. Sammy was a retired minister and pastored three churches, Beech Springs in Union County, Trinity in Baldwyn, and Chesterville in Lee County.
He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Jane Coker of Baldwyn; daughter, Samantha Barron (Michael) of Baldwyn; son, Paul Coker (Anna); brother, Danny Coker (Judy) of Ellistown; (6) grandchildren, Wade Barron and Bellamy, Chloe Barron, Sam Barron, Jake Coker, Webb Coker and Stella Coker; a host of nieces, nephews and other family and friends; his special little dog, “Prissy”.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Paul and Bessie Greer Coker; a sister and her husband, Janie Barnett (Lanois).
William Quillan Williamson, known to friends and family as Bill, went to be with his Lord on January 8, 2026, at NMMC in Tupelo, MS. He professed faith in Jesus as his Lord and Savior at age 9 and was baptized into the fellowship of Liberty Baptist Church in Chelsea, AL. After graduating from Bessemer High School, Bro. Bill earned his bachelor’s degree from Samford University (Birmingham, AL) in 1958, followed by a Master of Divinity from The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary (Louisville, KY) in 1962, after first studying at New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. While at Samford, he met the love of his life, Jacky Turner, and they married in 1960, later welcoming their daughter, Stephanie Hope. Called to preach at age 14, Bro. Bill began his 70-year pastoral ministry at 19, serving at Caroline Avenue Baptist Church in Bessemer, AL, and Macedonia Baptist Church in Vanzant, KY, during his college and seminary years. He led Neely’s Bend Baptist Church in Madison, TN, for 41 years, overseeing the construction of a new education building, auditorium, and a 10-acre Family Life Park. He also served 22 years as Recreation Director for the Nashville Baptist Association, organizing activities for 8,000 yearly participants in sports and senior adult programs. For the past 22 years, he pastored Concord Baptist Church in Bruce, MS, guiding them in building a beautiful new church. Bro. Bill and Mrs. Jacky’s daughter, Hope, was a schoolteacher and wife to pastor Michael Waldrop until her passing in 2022. They have three grandchildren—Whit, Jack, and Zoe—who are all active in church ministry. Bro. Bill loved his Lord, his family, and his congregations, and his life is a shining example of Christian faith.
Bro. Bill is survived by his wife of 65 years, Mrs. Jacky Turner Williamson of Randolph, MS; his sisters, Barbara Beene of Chesterfield, MO, and Nita Davidson of Pell City, AL; his son-in-law, Michael Waldrop (Laura) of Thaxton, MS; and his grandchildren, Whitten Zechariah Waldrop, Jackson Silas Waldrop, both of St. George, UT, and Zoe Belle Waldrop of Thaxton, MS.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Samuel Roosevelt and Lucille Chaney Williamson, his sister, Doris Perkins, and his daughter, Stephanie Hope Waldrop.
Johnny Walker was born on August 2, 1932, in Gibson County, TN, to the late Auston Lee Walker and Pauline “Polly” Walker. He entered his heavenly home on January 1, 2026. Johnny owned and operated Johnny Walker TV Service in Union City and later served as a manager at Bluff City Electronics in Union City and Memphis. He also gave his time and leadership as past president of both the Union City Civitan Club and the Acts 4:20 Club. Family was very important to Johnny, and he valued the time he spent with them, especially his grandchildren.
In 1971, Johnny answered God’s call to ministry, a decision that shaped the rest of his life. He became known not only for his kindness and service, but for his unwavering passion for winning souls for the Lord. He faithfully pastored Wynnburg Baptist Church, Hopewell Baptist Church, Ellistown Baptist Church, and Mt. Vernon Baptist Church. He also served as interim pastor for Reelfoot Baptist Church, West Corinth Baptist Church, Glendale Baptist Church, and Oak Hill Baptist Church.
Johnny served wherever he was needed—whether in the pulpit, in his community, or simply in the quiet, everyday ways that reveal a servant’s heart. Though his physical abilities became limited in later years, his devotion to living a meaningful, Christ-centered life never faded.
Those left to honor Bro. Johnny’s Memory include his wife of 74 years, Louise Walker; son, John R. “Jay” Walker (Teresa); daughters, Vicki Clark (John) and Carol Pinkston (Jim); grandchildren, Dr. Brad Gatlin (Crissy), Drew Walker (Vanessa), Jon Pinkston (Courtney), Jordan Pinkston (Shannon), Karen Burns (Bubba); 12 great grandchildren; 1 great great grandchild; other relatives and a host of friends. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sisters, Joyce Keith, and Bobbie Hankins.
His legacy lives on in the countless lives he touched, the churches he shepherded, and the many hearts he helped guide toward the Lord. Those who knew him will remember not only the life he lived, but the love, faith, and purpose with which he lived it.
James Andrew Breland, a revered Baptist Minister and beloved community leader, passed away on January 2, 2026, at the age of 98. James hailed from a legacy of faith and service that guided his remarkable life.
James was born on February 10, 1927, to Clifton and Onie Breland in McDonald, MS. James continued the legacy of faith and service given to him by his parents. After graduating from Linwood High School, he pursued higher education at East Central Community College and Delta State University, culminating his studies at New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. His commitment to learning and spiritual growth set a profound foundation for his subsequent decades of dedicated service.
A proud Army veteran of World War II, James embodied the virtues of courage and resilience. His military service shaped him into a man of integrity and compassion, traits that resonated throughout his lengthy career. After teaching math for one year at West High School in West, MS, he passionately served for 40 years as the Director of the Baptist Campus Ministry at Delta State University, where he influenced countless young lives, guiding them in their faith and education.
James was a proud member of First Baptist Church in Cleveland, MS. He had the opportunity to serve as interim pastor there, as well as in many other Baptist churches across the Delta, demonstrating his commitment to fostering spiritual growth within his community. He delivered many thought-provoking devotionals to church groups, and was known for his unwavering encouragement of others in their walk with God. He finished his ministry by serving as pastor of First Belleview Baptist in Shelby, MS. His legacy of faith and leadership will endure in the hearts of those he inspired. James found opportunities for service at Delta State University as a member of the 50 Year Golden Circle at the Alumni Association, and as an ambassador at Bologna Performing Arts Center. He was a recipient of the Henry Outlaw Alumni Service Award.
James was preceded in death by his father, Luther Clifton Breland; his mother, Onie Mae Rice Breland; his infant sister; and his wife of 60 years, Billie Wasson Breland.
James is survived by his cherished daughter, Brenda Carol Breland (Clyde Dwayne) Sims of Athens, AL; along with his beloved grandsons, Clifton David (Megan) Sims of Birmingham, AL and Brian Douglas (Kayla) Sims of Athens, AL; great-grandsons, Shepherd Yustin Sims and Wyatt Daniel Sims; great-granddaughter, Breland Valery Sims; nieces, Gwenda Wasson Swain of Cerritos, CA and Mitzi Wasson (Greg) of Siloam Springs, AR; and nephew, Ellis Wasson, Jr. of Huntington Beach, CA; all of whom brought him immense joy.
James faithful life and the love he shared with his family and community leave a lasting impact that will be remembered fondly by all who knew him. His example will continue to inspire generations to follow a path of faith and service.
Rev. Bill Webb, 93, of Meridian, MS, died away Wednesday, December 10, 2025, at The Orchard in Ridgeland, MS.
Mrs. Senita Wilson Webb, 91, of Meridian, MS, died Tuesday, December 16, 2025, at The Orchard in Ridgeland, MS.
Bro. Webb was born and grew up in Union, MS. He was the youngest of four siblings. When he was old enough he worked at the sawmill, with his brother J.D., where his father was the foreman. In high school he played football and as a Boy Scout obtained the rank of Eagle Scout. His plan was to become a history teacher and coach but as he always said “The Lord turned that apple cart upside down,” and he surrendered to preach. His next move was to Baylor University with his childhood friend Harold Carleton. Bill worked at a dry cleaner’s and laundry during college. After graduating from Baylor, he attended Southern Seminary in Louisville, KY where he completed his Master of Divinity degree. He married the love of his life, Senita Wilson Webb in 1955 and they served together at Monterey Baptist Church in Monterey, KY while he finished seminary. This was followed by a pastorate in Medway, OH at Medway Baptist Church. In 1966, he began his longest pastorate of 29 years at Midway Baptist Church in Meridian, MS. At Midway Baptist Church they were blessed with many special and long-lasting friendships and have always been grateful for the opportunity to serve God. Bro. Webb loved to fish, for several years he would always count how many fish he caught, and he often reached his goal of 1000 fish each year. His greatest joy, though, was fishing for people for Christ. His daughters appreciate the many prayers, food, and visits by family, friends and their dear neighbors especially during the past two years of health challenges. The many caregivers from Servants Heart, Covenant Caregivers and The Rose Garden at the Orchard were most helpful.
The Family suggests memorials be made to Baptist Children’s Village, Jackson, MS, Midway Baptist Church, Meridian, MS or The International Mission Board, Southern Baptist Convention in Memory of Bro. Bill and Mrs. Senita’s Ministries.
Bro. Bill and Mrs. Senita are survived by their daughters, Dr. Twila Webb Rawson (Ken) and Dr. Risa Webb Aleithawe (Imad); Seven grandchildren, Tyler Massingale, Emily Massingale Omari (Kuwasi), Seph Aleithawe (Hali), Ghaith Aleithawe (Lina), Karrie Womack (Paul), Paul Rawson (Amanda), and Kassie Rawson; and their 11 great grandchildren. Bill is survived by his sister, Bessie Saway, and sister-in-law Jackie Webb, as well as a host of well-loved nieces and nephews.
Bro. Bill is preceded in death by his parents, Doris and Ola Webb; his sister, Jessie Lewis; his brother, J.D. Webb, Jr.; and brothers-in-law, Frank Lewis and Pete Saway.
Dr. Edward Harold Fisher, devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather, passed away December 10, 2025.
He invested his personal life in his family and his professional life in efforts to improve educational opportunities for all, having served as a classroom teacher, State Supervisor of Elementary Education, taught graduate courses for Ole Miss and Mississippi College, and as president of Blue Mountain College for thirty-six years, and upon his retirement was designated President Emeritus of Blue Mountain College.
He was a founding commissioner of the Commission on Elementary Schools of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools and served as Chair of the Commission and a member of the Board of Trustees and president of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. He continued his service to SACS as Director for Mississippi. He served on the Mississippi Commission on School Accreditation, and was a member of the Mississippi Commission on College Accreditation having served as chair of the Commission. He was a member and executive director of the Mississippi Association of Independent Colleges and Universities. He served on the board of directors and as a member of the executive committee of the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education and was a founding director of the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards. He was active in school board service, having served as a member of the school boards in Tippah County and the South Tippah Consolidated School District for twenty-four years, as a member of the board of directors and president of the Mississippi School Boards Association and as a member of the board of directors and president of the National School Boards Association. He also served on the board of directors of the Mississippi Humanities Council. He was a Rotarian and a Paul Harris Fellow.
While a student at Ole Miss he met Martha Huggins. They were married in 1955 after he returned from the army. During their happy life together, they had three children.
Dr. Fisher was a committed Christian who was a faithful member of the First Baptist Church of Jackson, MS where he served as a deacon and Sunday School teacher in the Beacon Sunday School Class, and he was a former member of the Lowrey Memorial Baptist Church in Blue Mountain, MS where he served as a deacon for thirty-five years.
He served in the U.S. Army for two years during which time he was a cryptographer at the Far East Command Headquarters at Camp Zama, Japan for eighteen months.
He leaves his wife, Martha Huggins Fisher, three children, Barbara Fisher Mize (David) of Rocky Mount, NC, Hal Fisher (Beth) of Madison, MS and Laura Fisher James (Gerald) of Dallas, TX, and seven grandchildren, David Mize, Jr. of Wake Forest, N C, Daniel Mize of Raleigh, NC , Emily Mize Mould of Nashville, TN, Kathryn Fisher of Ridgeland, MS, Claire Fisher Gressett of Hattiesburg, MS, Julianne James Isenberg of Tulsa, OK, Jeffrey James of Los Angeles, CA, and 11 great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, E.H. and Mildred Bell Fisher, and his sister Margie Fisher Hand.
Memorials may be made to the E. Harold and Martha Huggins Fisher Scholarship Fund at Blue Mountain College, P. O. Box 160, Blue Mountain, MS 38610.
Tommy Frank Wilder, 78, of Hickory Flat, MS passed away peacefully to his heavenly mansion surrounded by family and friends on December 10, 2025. He was a God called minister for more than 55 years in numerous Southern Baptist Churches, some of which he helped establish. Tommy was President of Ingomar High School, Class of 1965. He attended Itawamba College, Blue Mountain and School of Bank and Finance. Tommy worked in Banking for 32 years in many positions, eventually becoming president of Union Planters of Ashland, MS
He enjoyed hobbies such as building and crafts, knife collecting, hunting and fishing, gardening, and traveling.
Above all else Tommy was a devoted Christian who loved his Lord and his family.
He is survived by his wife of 17 years, Neva; son Roger (Kelly); son Mike (Nan); son Joey (Heather); sister Anita Fitzgerald ( Gregg); step-daughter Elizabeth Richardson (Bryan); grandchildren Taylor Wilder, Ashton Wilder, Chandler Henderson (Jay), Connor Wilder, Carson Wilder, Myles Wilder and Lorelai Wilder; great grandchild, Channing Henderson; Nephew Kyle Fitzgerald, Catherine; niece Emily Fitzgerald; great nephews Cannon Fitzgerald and Clay Fitzgerald; great nieces Caroline Fitzgerald and Collins Fitzgerald
He was preceded in death by his first wife and the mother of his children, Janice Dunlap Wilder, and parents, James and Mary Wilder.
Sandra Elizabeth Sandifer Gunn, 90 years old, saw her Savior face to face on Monday, December 8, 2025. She was a resident of Hattiesburg, Mississippi. Sandra was born August 21, 1935, in Tylertown, Mississippi. She graduated from Topeka-Tilton High School in 1953 and received a B. A. Degree in 1957 from her beloved Mississippi College. She is preceded in death by her mother Leslie Mae Roberts Sandifer, and her father James Dewitt (Cile) Sandifer. She is survived by the love of her life, her husband of 68 years, Frank Webb Gunn, Sr.; her three children Frank (Lydia) Gunn, Jr., Alicia (Jeff) Clark, and David (Gina) Gunn; her brother Mickey (Joyce) Sandifer; her grandchildren Mary Lindsay (Slater) Jackson, Frank Gunn III, and Annalise (fiancé Blake Stephan) Gunn; BethAnne (Tyler) Mitchell, Hunter (Micha) Clark, and Lynley (Ty) Park; and Jordyn Gunn and Carey Gunn; as well as 7 great grandchildren who loved their “Gran”: Durango and Wyatt Jackson; Hudson and Grace Mitchell; and Benjamin, Addie, and Brody Clark.
Sandra was a prayer warrior, known for praying for family, church family, friends, neighbors, and strangers! Speaking of strangers, she never met one – her genuine warmth was a true hallmark of her personality. She filled many journals with scripture, prayers for others, and evidence of a deep love for her Savior, Jesus Christ. To know her was to be loved by her. In her down time at home, Sandra created some beautiful cross stitch pieces, she loved a good crossword puzzle, and a large puzzle in progress was often out on the game table. Due to the generosity of the Eustice family, a cabin in the scenic mountains of Highlands, North Carolina, became Sandra and Frank’s favorite vacation spot, having traveled there over 44 consecutive years.
As a pastor’s wife for 68 years, she loved and served each congregation: Loranger Baptist Church, Loranger, LA; Georgetown Baptist Church, Georgetown, MS; First Baptist Church, Lexington, MS; Forest Baptist Church, Forest, MS; First Baptist Church, Biloxi, MS (where she enjoyed being a part of the handbell choir); and numerous churches across the state in the interim capacity. In retirement, she and Frank are members of Venture Church, Hattiesburg, MS. Sandra served Mississippi Baptists through denomination service in various capacities with the Mississippi Baptist Convention: Committee on Order of Business, Committee on Nominations, Resolutions Committee, Member of the Convention Board, and Member of the Executive Committee. She wrote Sunday School lessons for The Baptist Record and served as Prayer Coordinator for the Christian Women’s Job Corps in Hattiesburg.
Friends are invited to join the family for visitation and services on Friday, December 12, 2025, at Venture Church, 4142 Lincoln Road, Hattiesburg, MS 39402. Visitation will be held from 9:30 until 10:50 AM. The Celebration of Life service will follow at 11:00 AM.
Following services, Sandra will be laid to rest in a private ceremony at Prentiss Cemetery.
Riemann Family Funeral Home, Biloxi, is serving the family. Please sign the online guest book and share memories and photos at www.riemannfamily.com.
Memorials can be made to The Sandra and Frank Gunn Scholarship Fund for Mississippi College Students, Mississippi Baptist Foundation, PO Box 530, Jackson, MS 39205, a cause dear to her heart.
Pastor Jimmie Ballard, 85, of French Camp, Mississippi, passed away Wednesday, November 12, 2025, at Choctaw Regional Medical Center in Ackerman, Mississippi.
Jimmie was born on July 27, 1940, to Charlie E. Ballard and Birdie Joiner Ballard in Thomastown, Mississippi. He was raised in the Thomastown community. Jimmie retired from the United States Air Force as a Master Seargent where he served for 21 years, including Vietnam during his enlistment. He pastored at New Haven Baptist Church, Poplar Creek Nations Baptist Church, and Walnut Grove Church. Jimmie was a member of Bethsaida Baptist Church.
Jimmie is survived by his wife, Betty Ballard of French Camp, Mississippi; son, Roger (Katie) Ballard of Springtown, Texas; daughters, Sharon (Greg) D’Angelo of New Orleans, Louisiana and Suzanne (Rick) Story of French Camp, Mississippi; grandchildren, Nicole (Adam) Terrebonne of Prairieville, Louisiana, Ned (Angel) Dudoussat of Metairie, Louisiana, Caitlin (Gabe) Rosamano, of Kenner, Louisiana, Rhett (Samantha) Ballard of Springtown, Texas, Chandler Story of Metairie, Louisiana, Gabriel D’Angelo of Metairie, Louisiana, Tyler Story of Starkville, Mississippi, Miranda (Austin) Williams, of Mathiston, Mississippi, and Petty Officer II Class, Brock Ballard, U.S. Navy of Norfolk, Virginia;11 great-grandchildren; brother, Sam Ballard of MS; and sister, Judy McDaniel of Tennessee.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Charlie Ballard and Birdie Joiner Ballard, brother, Bernard Ballard, and sister, Glenda Collier.
Rev. Everett Eli “PeeWee” Childers, Jr., 77, died Friday, April 25, 2025, at the Mississippi State Veteran’s Home in Oxford, Mississippi.
PeeWee was born on November 25, 1947, in Blytheville, Arkansas, to the late Hazel Brown and Everett Eli Childers, Sr. A veteran of The United States Air Force, he bravely served his country as a Seargeant in Vietnam. In 1983, he answered the call the Lord put on his heart to pursue ministry. PeeWee began his studies at Mid-America Baptist Theological Seminary, where he earned his Associate of Divinity in 1986, before continuing his education at The University of Mississippi where he earned his Bachelors of Arts in 1990 and his Masters of Arts in 1992.
His studies provided a firm foundation and understanding of the word of God, which he paired with a passion for ministering to others. Throughout his long and impressive ministry, PeeWee was called to many locations across the South, each of which he would answer with the same eager heart to serve. He began his career as associate pastor of Kensington Baptist Church in Memphis, Tennessee, and went on to pastor New Prospect Baptist Church in Oxford, Mississippi, Concord Baptist Church in Clanton, Alabama, Temple Baptist Church in Big Point, Mississippi, Orchard Baptist Church in Mobile, Alabama, and Wade Baptist Church in Wade, Mississippi. Each location earned a special place in his heart, and he tried to leave each church better than he found it. He was always in church mode, and never grew tired of his work as a pastor. If ever he grew weary, PeeWee looked to the Lord and his precious family to renew his spirit. He was mission-minded, traveling to many locations around the world on mission trips to spread the word of God and provide valuable aid to those in need. In his leisure, PeeWee loved to spend times with friends and fellow ministers on the golf course and enjoyed music and concerts.
All of the deeply important work PeeWee accomplished throughout his life in ministry would not have been possible without the love and support of his wife, Connie, and his beloved daughters. He treasured his role as a husband and father, considering it his most important calling. In addition to his parents, PeeWee was preceded in death by his daughter, Kristy Paige Childers.
PeeWee is survived by his wife of 52 years, Connie Childerss, of Oxford, Mississippi; two daughters, Dana Brookshire and her husband, Billy, of Nashville, Tennessee and Lori Childers of Oxford, Mississippi; brothers, David Childers and his wife, Cindy, and John Mark Childers and his wife, Theresa, all of New Albany, Mississippi; and two grandchildren, Justice Widel and Christopher Wyatt.
Dr. Joe M. Pate was born on February 20, 1962, in Columbus, MS, to the late John William Pate and Mary Katherine Harcrow Pate. While his family grieves the tremendous loss here on Earth, they rejoice in knowing exactly where he is today. Joe was a dedicated pastor to the very end. He was currently serving two congregations: Pickens Baptist Church in Pickens, MS, and Main Street Baptist Church in Goodman, MS. In addition, he has served in a multitude of pastoring, worship leading, and student ministry roles throughout his 45-year career. Despite a lifetime of medical adversity, his positive outlook and faith shown through as a testimony to everyone he came in contact with. He loved to tell jokes, often beginning his sermons with one, and could come up with a catchy jingle about anything. Those who spent any amount of time with him can most definitely recall a silly moment or two because he loved to laugh and have a good time.
In addition to his parents, Joe is preceded in death by his sister – Linda Inmon; mother-in-law – Edna Boone; father-in-law – Bob Boone; and father-in-law – Donald Jones.
Joe is survived by his wife of 41 years – Cecelia “Ceal” Jones Pate; three daughters – Leah (Luke) Pounders of Clinton, MS, Christina (Cody) Kamper of Enterprise, MS, and Heather (Randy) Burke of Atlanta, GA; seven precious grandchildren – Sabin Neely, Libby Pounders, Leland Neely, Lucas Pounders, Lane Pounders, Charlotte Kamper, and Lovie Pounders; siblings – Barbara Ibarra of Seymour, TN, Patty (Alan) Duffie of Candler, NC, and Curtis Pate of Columbus, MS, and a host of nieces and nephews.
Rev. Henderson Williams, 77, passed away on Saturday, November 8, 2025 at his home. He was a member of Hope Indian Baptist Church and Arrowhead Hunting Club. He enjoyed working outside, fishing, hunting and spoiling his grandkids.
Rev. Williams is preceded in death by his parents, Philmon Williams Sr. and Sarah Williams; son, Rennard Clay Williams; sisters, Selma Williams Denson, Joanna Williams, Annie Bell; brothers, Sammy Williams, Jimmy Williams, Sr., Darry Williams, Henry Lee Williams, Bradley Williams, Wayne Williams, Jonas Williams.
Survivors include his wife, Gloria Williams; daughter, Kara Williams; sons, Ty Williams, Trevor Williams, Justin Williams; sisters, Rose Williams, Wanda Williams, Ruby Williams, Fannie Willis; brother, Olin Williams; 3 grandchildren, Sarah Williams, Rocky Steve, Allyson Williams.
