Rev. Ron Mercer, 80, of Meridian, Mississippi passed away on November 2, 2026 at his residence.
He was born on December 24, 1945 to Noble and Alice (Thompson) Mercer in Enterprise, MS.
Bro. Ron was a graduate of Clarke College and Mississippi College, he also attended the New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. Bro. Ron pastored and lead music at numerous churches all over the state of Mississippi. He was also a licensed property manager. He was a faithful member of New Hope Baptist Church, where he served in many capacities. Ron and Ann enjoyed spending time traveling all over with the Queen City Camping Club. Most of all, Ron loved spending time with his family, mainly his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Ron is survived by his wife, Carol Ann Mercer, 3 sons, Jeff (Paula) Mercer, Scott (Cindy) Mercer, and Phillip (Lisa) Mercer, 12 grandchildren, Lindsey (Kyle) Followell, Bethany (Dalton) Smith, Haley (Daniel) Moulds, Caleb (Emily) Mercer, Grace Mercer, Zoie Mercer, Joshua Mercer, Lane Mercer, Jodie (Brian) Sigrest, Kaylan Mercer, Clint Mercer, and Kelsie (Zack) Slocum, 15 great-grandchildren, Neely Followell, Liam Followell, Kade Followell, Lily-Mac Moulds, Lexi Moulds, Lyndan Moulds, Sadie Smith, Ryleigh Smith, Ellie Smith, Wells Smith, Eli Mercer, Jude Mercer, Noah Mercer, Eden Sigrest, and Samuel Sigrest, 3 brothers, Billy Mercer, Dale (Joan) Mercer, and Ray (Sylvia) Mercer, 2 sisters, Linda Mercer and Edna Ruth Adams, numerous nieces, nephews, and extended family members.
He was preceded in death by his father, Noble A. Mercer, mother, Alice Edna Mercer, 2 brothers, Jack Ervin Mercer and James Mercer, sister, JoAnn Mercer McNeill.
Benson Bexley, age 79, passed away on October 31, 2026. He gave his heart to the Lord at the age of 16 in 1963, beginning a lifelong journey of faith and service. In 1985, he rededicated his life to the Lord and was baptized. The following year, he answered God’s call to preach, and in 1987, he was called to pastor Northside Baptist Church. He faithfully served as pastor for more than 30 years, sharing God’s Word, encouraging others, and making a lasting impact on the lives of those he ministered to. His love for the Lord and commitment to serving others were an important part of who he was. On May 29, 2010, he married his beloved wife, Gean, and together they shared many special years. His life was one of faith, devotion, and service. The legacy he leaves behind will continue to live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved him.
He is preceded in death by his first wife and mother of his children, Alice Bexley; parents, Loyd “Shug” and Mary Lou Pierce Bexley; brothers, Vernon (Mary) Bexley, Larkin (Mary Helen) Bexley and Murdock Bexley; son, Keith Davis; daughter, Debbie Washington; daughter-in-law, Vanessa West.
Those left to cherish his memory include his wife, Gloria Gean Bexley; children, Cecil E. (Kathy) West Jr., Martin West, Gail McFarland, Michael (Penny) West, Caren (James) Lewis, and Eva (Timothy) Sullivan; daughter-in-law, Suzanne Davis; grandchildren, Christopher West, Stephanie (Eric) Parker, Misty (Kirk) Frantom, Cassie (John) Bruscato, Brian Eubanks, Melissa Johnson, Scotty(Megan) West, Dusty (Meagan) West, Sara Moore, Gregory Howell, Shana Kirkwood, Benson (Allison) Howell, Wesley (Leslie) Sullivan, Kristin (Justin) Finley, Lynnsey (Ethan Reeves) Blue, Lauren Blue, Orion Davis, Hunter Davis and Kaylee Davis; great grandchildren, Lane West, Anna West, Erica Whatley, Christian Levister, Kristy Frantom, Kyler Frantom, Kylie Frantom, Colby Remington, Dash Remington, Vanessa Bruscato, Mary Eubanks, Sawyer West, Easton Moore, Olivia Moore, Bradyn Howell, Heath Howell, Garren Howell, Hunter Howell, Brooklynn Howell, Shayley Kirkwood, Weston Kirkwood, Casen Kirkwood, Brayley Kirkwood, Jacob Lemmon, James Allen Lemmon, Elizabeth Sullivan, Kaylynn Sullivan, Addie Finley, and Alivia Finley; numerous other relatives and friends.
Dr. Dennis W. Sewell, 77, of Laurel, MS, passed away on Wednesday, Oct. 7, 2026, at Pine View Health & Rehab Center in Waynesboro, MS.
Born in Texarkana, AR, on Nov. 19, 1948, to Lowell & Dorothy Sewell, he spent his early years in Texarkana. He graduated from Arkansas High School, class of 1966, and joined the Marines at the age of 17 years old.
On Jan. 4, 1969, he married the love of his life, Vicki Green Sewell. They were married for 57 years. They were blessed with two children: Carrie Sewell Huff (Josh) of Long Beach, MS, and Chad Sewell (Jennifer) of Oak Grove, MS.
The pride and joy of his life were his grandchildren: Carley Smith (Tobie), Breonna Jones (Parker), Peyton Holifield (Jackson), Presley Huff, Audrey Sewell, Kate Sewell, Wyatt Sewell, Doc Sewell, Riley Huff, Reagan Huff, Ariana Craft (Dakota Deshields).
Dennis was saved in 1971 and surrendered to the gospel ministry in 1972. His education included ETBC and Southwestern Baptist Seminary. He received an honorary Doctor in Church Evangelism and a Doctor of Theology.
He served churches in Arkansas, Texas, New Mexico, and Mississippi, where he was pastor of Highland Baptist Church in Laurel, MS, for 15 years.
Dennis had a passion to see people be saved and grow in the Lord. He loved to preach God’s Word. He loved and ministered to others.
He loved his family and had a great love for his country. He was patriotic and thankful to be born in America.
“Keep your little hand in God’s big hand.”
He was preceded in death by his parents and grandparents; brothers, Terry Lowell Sewell and Cleve Sewell; nephews, James Roach and Bradon Prewit; brothers-in-law, Dr. Dean Laird and Steve Green; and father-in-law, Sherman Green.
He is survived by his siblings: Brenda Laird, Martha Roach (Jimmy) brother-in-law, Darlene Sewell, sister-in-law.
Also surviving are his in-laws: JoAnn Green, mother-in-law Mike and DeAnna Cox, brother- and sister-in-law, Chad and Tracey Russell, brother- and sister-in-law, Joyce Green, sister-in-law. He is also survived by a host of nieces, nephews, and special friends.
James Robert McMillen, known more affectionately to many as “Bro. Jimmy,” departed this life and happily entered the Kingdom of Heaven on October 2, 2026, at the North Mississippi Medical Center’s Hospice Unit. Bro. Jimmy was born in Winthrop Harbor, Illinois to Robert Hoyle McMillen and Jewel Mae McGillivray McMillen on August 20, 1957. He resided with his parents and siblings in Kenosha, Wisconsin until he relocated to Amory, Mississippi, where he graduated from Amory High School in 1975. He attended ICC from 1975 to 1977. He surrendered to the ministry in 1987 and received his degree in Biblical Studies.
Bro. Jimmy pastored several churches in Pontotoc, Lee and Union Counties throughout his career. Bro. Jimmy was a Master Mason at Pontotoc Lodge No. 81 F&AM, a lifetime 32nd Degree KCCH Scottish Rite Mason, a Charter Member and Past Venerable Master of the Knights of Saint Andrew, Corinth Chapter.
Bro. Jimmy is preceded in death by his parents, his wife of 31 years Peggy Phillpis McMillen, his sisters Debbie Sue Clark, Dorothy Kay Waldo, and Linda Gail Derrick, and a grandson, Cayson Ryver McMillen.
He is survived by his son, James “Jamie” Robert McMillen, II (Emily), his daughter Crystal Lynn McMillen, grandchildren Jayme, Peggy and Morran, Boston, Abigail and Hailey, and a great granddaughter, Lauren Cheyenne. He is also survived by his brothers, Thomas Allen McMillen and Randy Dwayne McMillen.
Joseph Dean Kelley, 63, passed away Friday, September 25, 2026 after a long battle with cancer at Baptist Reynolds Hospice House.
Joe Kelley was a man whose life was defined by his love for God, his family, and his church family. He faithfully served others throughout his life, both within the church and in the community, living out the faith he held so dearly.
Joe’s first name (Joseph) was chosen as a reminder of the Bibical hero from the Old Testament. His middle name was in honor of Dizzy Dean, the celebrated pitcher who played for the St. Louis Cardinals and Chicago Cubs and was a personal hero of Joe’s dad.
As a teenager, Joe began working at the local Wal-Mart in Forrest City , AR as a stock boy. Through hard work, and perseverance, he advanced through the company and became a store manager at several stores which included Southaven, Muscle Shoals, Hazelhurst and Vicksburg.
As Joe’s relationship with God flourished, he felt called to serve in ministry. He went on to serve as Executive Pastor and Administrator for over thirty years at Colonial Hills Church in Southaven, Hernando and Olive Branch. He became a member of Colonial Hills in 1989 and remained a devoted part of the church family until his death.
Joe served at Colonial Hills as a volunteer in Kids Ministry for over 30 years, led many mission teams to Jamaica, taught Financial Peace University small groups, lead life groups, helped lead Southern Baptist Disaster Relief Teams, taught Awanas, led the personnel team, led the finance team, Kids Kamp leader, lead the Beds For DeSoto Ministry. And Helped lead Feed The Need during the holidays. Joe served others unselfishly and with joy.
Joe’s faith was not simply something he professed-it was something he lived.
Joe married “the love of his life” on June 25, 1983, in Forrest City, Arkansas. On that same day, they began their life together in Senatobia, MS and later Southaven, MS. Their home was marked by laughter where friends were always welcome to come sit on their patio and enjoy a Mountain Dew.
Joe is survived by his beloved wife, of 43 years, Susan Kelley, whom he affectionately called “baby-love”; his siblings, Ricky (LeAnn) Kelley, Carla (Lowry) Astin, and Matt (Lisa) Kelley; dear friends who are like family, loving church members, and a host of nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Calvin and Velma Kelley, and his brother, Bill Kelley.
Joe’s life was a testimony of faithfulness to God, integrity, and service to others. Though he will be deeply missed, his family and friends can find comfort in knowing that Joe Kelley is now at home with the Lord he gladly served.
After 76 years on God’s creation, Dr. Charles Donald Baggett saw his Savior face to face on October 3, 2026. Donald Baggett was born in Oxford, MS to the late Burwood and Laverne Baggett on October 22, 1949. In 1967, he married his teenage sweetheart, Anne Turner. God saved Donald when he was 28 years old. When he was 29, God called Donald to preach His gospel. Since then, Donald faithfully preached throughout North Mississippi and served churches in Vernon, Alabama, New Albany, Belden, Fulton, Tupelo, Plantersville, and Nettleton, Mississippi. He also served in numerous positions within the county and state Baptist Convention. Donald loved his Lord, and throughout his life and ministry, strived to not only faithfully preach the gospel, but live it before anyone he came in contact with. Donald Graduated from Blue Mountain College in 1986. He earned his Master’s Degree from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary in 1993, and his Doctorate in 1994 from Southern Baptist School of Biblical Studies. In addition to serving Christ, Donald loved playing the guitar and mandolin, watching westerns, and trading cars. He had a sense of humor that kept those around him laughing.
Donald loved and was loved by his wife of 58 years, Anne Turner Baggett. His children Chuck (Elizabeth) Baggett, Anthony (Angie) Baggett, and Kerri (Chris) Fellows; as well as those who called him Pap: his grandchildren, Malachi (Katherine)Baggett, Hannah (Lance)Brown, Nathan (Hannah)Baggett, David Baggett, Daniel Baggett, Chase Baggett, Cole Baggett, Kylie Locastro, Noah (Rachel) Locastro, Aiden Locastro, Chase Camp, Zeke (Caroline) Camp, Landon (Brooke) Camp, Mary Katherine (Chad) Wilbanks, Millie Cayson, T.J. Fellows, Jake Fellows, Cayden Fellows, and his great-grandchildren: Eliza Baggett, Clara Baggett, Charles Brown, James Brown, Amber Brown, one Brown yet to be born, Liam Camp, Leia Camp, Ella Camp, Fox Camp, Caden Wilbanks, Ginny Wilbanks and Waylon Fellows. He is survived by his sisters, Frances (Wayne) Jenkins and Lynn Bostwick, and a host of nieces and nephews.
Donald was preceded in death by his daughter Kimberly Anne Baggett, grandchildren Charles Jacob Locastro and John Isaac Locastro, daughter-in-law Lisa Baggett, his parents, sister Carolyn Baggett, and brother Tom Baggett.
Peggy Ann Wasson Tyler, age 87, of Kosciusko, Mississippi, passed away on September 13, 2026.
Peggy was a loving daughter, sister, mother, grandmother, great grandmother and friend to many. She was a member of First Presbyterian Church in Kosciusko.
Peggy was best known to her family and to the community as “Ma T.” She served as executive assistant to Brother Dan West for many years at Central Hills Baptist Retreat, a Christian boys summer camp. She became well known as Ma T to the staff and campers.
Peggy loved music and was an amazing soloist for most of her adult life in the churches she attended. She loved life and people and had the most beautiful smile to all she met. She was full of fun, a spitfire and was always dressed to the nines!
Peggy celebrated life, yet most of all, her favorite thing was to celebrate her family!
Peggy leaves behind an abundance of memories that will be remembered and cherished by those she knew and loved.
She is survived by her daughters Toni Tyler White (Tom) of Franklin TN, Shelle Tyler Pinkard (Jimmy) of Kosciusko MS, her sister Judy Wasson Crowder (James) of Sallis MS, granddaughters Ashlee, Annie, Tollie, Lyndse, Aubrey, Cambrey, 12 great grandchildren. Nieces, Andrea Wasson, Elizabeth Garrett, Kimberly Mitchell.
Peggy is preceded in death by her father, Homer Wasson, her mother Lois Wasson, her brother, William T. Wasson, her daughter Cynthia Jones, and nephew Jeffrey Crowder.
Dr. Gerald D. Shook, 80, died Saturday, September 5, 2026, in his home, surrounded by his family. A graveside service will be held on Wednesday, September 9, 2026, at 2:00 P.M. at Anchor Baptist Church Cemetery. Visitation will be prior to the graveside service beginning at 12:00 at Anchor Baptist Church.
Gerald was born on April 21, 1946, in Charleston, MS to the late David and Dorris Wolfe Shook. As a veteran of the United States Air Force, Gerald attended Northwest Community College and Delta State University during his undergraduate years and went on to receive his Masters degree in Seminary from Mid America Theological Seminary before earning his Doctorate from Bethany Theological Seminary. He dedicated his life to his ministry and poured himself into caring for others within his church and his community. As the Pastor of Anchor Baptist Church for 42 years, you could say that his life revolved around his church and his ministry.
As a young man growing up in the Delta, Gerald grew up working alongside his family on the farm, where he developed a lifelong appreciation of the outdoors, especially hunting and fishing. Affectionally known as Pappy, family was everything to him. He found solace and comfort within his home and loved nothing more than opening its doors to family and friends for times of fellowship, filling it with laughter and good company. Just as often, Gerald sought out quiet moments in his sunroom watching the birds and simply enjoying the beauty of the outdoors. He cherished his time in God’s word, spending countless hours reading, studying and meditating over Scripture. He was so immersed in those pages that, over the years, his posture began to reflect his devotion to leaning over the words he loved so dearly. In addition to his parents, Gerald was preceded by his first wife, Pamela Shook; a daughter, Brandi Marie Shook Odum and a sister, Beverly Shook.
Gerald is survived by his loving wife, Pat Windham Shook of Oxford; a son, Christopher Blake Shook and his wife, Laura of Oxford; three grandchildren, Lauren Bailey Odum, Caroline Shook and Dylan Shook and one brother, Ronnie Shook and his wife, Sally of Paynes, MS.
His family extends a special word of thanks to Dr. Shaun Helmhout and Gentiva Hospice for helping with his departure from this life.
Mr. James “Jimmy” Leach, 64, passed away Wednesday, September 2, 2026, at Baptist Memorial Hospital in Columbus, MS. He was born in Kilmichael, MS to R. L. and Edith McCorkle Leach on January 21, 1962. Mr. Jimmy was with KCS Railroad for 14 years and had a love for sawmilling in his spare time. He was currently serving as pastor of Hebron Baptist Church near Poplar Creek, where he faithfully proclaimed the Gospel. He was a humble man who served others with no reservations and stood in the gap for anyone in need.
He is survived by his wife, Karen Wood Leach; daughters, Laura Wood (Ryan) of Kilmichael, Nikki Leonard (Justin) of Stewart, Jami Pruitt (Ryan) of Glen Allen, VA, and Katie Crimm (Chad) of Stewart; sons, Joey Leach (Abby) of Poplar Creek and Matthew Leach of Stewart; brother, Ronnie Leach (Debbie) of French Camp; thirteen grandchildren; and a host of nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister, Mandy Dees; brother, Alan Leach; and an infant son, “Little Jimmy.”
