Tuesday, June 5, 2007

Published 11:58 pm Monday, June 4, 2007

Dr. Guy Thompson Vise Sr.

Retired physician



Services for Dr. Guy Thompson Vise Sr. will be held Wednesday at 11:30 a.m. at First Presbyterian Church with the Revs. Dr. Rhett G. Payne III and Richard Martin Vise Jr., grandson of Dr. Vise, officiating. Burial will be in Magnolia Cemetery. Barham Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Dr. Vise, 96, of Meridian, died Saturday, June 2, 2007, in his home.

Dr. Vise will be remembered as one who lived a full life, was the father of five, a skilled and compassionate physician, a church and civic leader, a businessman, a tree farmer and a friend and advisor to many who knew him and sought his advice.

He served as president of the Southern Medical Association, president of the Mississippi State Medical Association, president of the East Mississippi Medical Society, president of the Mississippi Academy of Family Practice, and was Chief of Staff at St. Joseph Hospital. He was elected a Fellow of the International College of Surgeons and was a member of numerous other organizations.

Dr. Vise was an avid forester and belonged to the Lauderdale County Forestry Association and the Mississippi State Forestry Association.

He was an elder of First Presbyterian Church and taught the high school class for many years. Dr. Vise was a lifelong member of the Kiwanis Club International and served as president of the Junior Chamber of Commerce.

Dr. Vise was born in Decaturville, Tenn., to the Lillian and Eli Michael Vise. He obtained his medical degree from the University of Tennessee. He was by necessity a practitioner in most areas of medicine before specialization became the norm for physician training. After obtaining a M.D. degree, he interned at the Southern Baptist and Charity Hospitals in New Orleans. He moved to Meridian and did an additional four years of surgical training at the Matty Hersee Hospital before surgical residences were commonplace in America. He also worked at the East Mississippi State Hospital. In 1938, Dr. Vise opened a medical office in the Threefoot Building in downtown Meridian. As his medical and surgical practice grew, he renovated the Renfroe Building on the corner of Fourth Street and 22nd Avenue into the Vise Clinic Building, which became a Meridian landmark. The Vise Clinic was the first air conditioned building in the state of Mississippi.

“Guy T.” as his wife and friends often referred to him was a constant innovator. In the 1950’s, Dr. Vise was years ahead of his time in his denunciation of smoking as a cause of lung cancer, heart disease and other medical illnesses. He also described “secondary smoke disorders” decades before this concept was to surface. At a medical meeting in the 1950’s, he presented his observation that infants developed pneumonia secondary to cigarette smoke in poorly ventilated homes.

Survivors include his sons, Dr. Guy T. Vise Jr. and his wife, Margaret, Dr. Michael Vise and his wife, Annette, all of Jackson, Murray Vise of Atlanta and Dr. Richard Vise and his wife, Betty, of Meridian; a daughter, Mailande Vise Turner of Pensacola, Fla.; grandchildren, Dr. Guy T. Vise III, Will Vise, Marion Turner, Murray Turner, Martin Turner, Rachel Vise and Mailande Vise, Richard Vise Jr., Duncan Vise, Elizabeth Vise and Rachel Vise Adams and 15 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Mailande “Peg” Martin Vise.

Memorials may be made to First Presbyterian Church of Meridian.

Pallbearers will be his grandsons and Bailey Adams, a grandson-in-law.

Visitation will be Wednesday from 10 a.m. until service time at the church.



Maureen Claire Gunn Devereaux



LAKE CHARLES, La.—Memorial services for Maureen Claire Gunn Devereaux were held at 6 p.m. Saturday, May 19, 2007, at Johnson Funeral Home Chapel in Lake Charles and at 11 a.m. Monday, May 21, at the Pachuta United Methodist Church in Pachuta. Burial followed in Pachuta Cemetery with her granddaughter the Rev. Ashley Claire Smith officiating at both services.

Mrs. Devereaux, 89, formerly of Pachuta, died Thursday, May 17, 2007, in her home. She was born October 28, 1917, at home in Pachuta, to Dr. John Solon Gunn and Verna Claire Gordon Gunn, daughter of Clarke and Jasper County pioneer Alexander Gordon. Maureen was a nurse in Meridian for a number of years at Rush Infirmary, now Rush Foundation Hospital.

After moving from Mississippi to Lake Charles in the 1950s, she became a teacher, earning a bachelor’s of science degree in early childhood education from McNeese State University and a master’s of education degree from Louisiana State University. She also earned a Second Language Specialist certification and taught French to elementary school students in the early days of the Council for the Development of French in Louisiana (CODOFIL) program. She retired in 1983 after teaching 30 years in Calcasieu Parish Schools. She also supervised student teachers for McNeese State University.

She held memberships in the Calcasieu Association of Educators, Louisiana Association of Educators, National Association of Educators, Louisiana Retired Teachers Association, the Alpha Luncheon Group of the American Association of University Women, Louisiana Association of University Women, and the American Association of Retired Persons. She was an avid bridge player, reader, and crossword fan.

Survivors include her daughters, Desiree Devereaux of Lake Charles, Barbara Crawford Champagne and her husband Dick, of St. Charles, Mo.., Sherry Devereaux Ferguson and her husband Stewart, of Chelsea, Quebec, Canada and Maureen Claire Devereaux Smith and her husband George, of Stephentown, N.Y., as well as a nephew, Jack Gordon and his wife Vivia Gunn, of Clinton, Miss.; grandchildren, Rick and his wife, Susan Champagne of Madison, Wis., Mark Champagne and his wife,Angie, of Manhattan Beach, Calif., and Col. Greg Champagne and his wife, Cheri, Mitch Champagne and his wife, Chris, Brannon Champagne and his wife, Stacy, and Christin Prinster all of St. Charles, Mo., Eric Ferguson and his wife, Nancy of Chicoutimi, Quebec, Alexandra Hendriks her husband, Patrick,of Chelsea, Quebec, Cameron Ferguson of Toronto, Ontario, the Rev. Ashley C. Smith of Stephentown, N.Y., and Chris Smith of Concord, Calif.; great-grandchildren, Aaron, Maura , Clay, Tyler, Melissa, Ashley, Tori, Nicholas, Lydia, Eli, Courtney, Brannon, Chip, and Trent Champagne; Luke, Lexie, and Gabrielle Prinster; Erica, Emilie, William, and Morgan Ferguson; Ella Claire and Sasha Hendriks; and Solan Ferguson Velut.

She was preceded in death by her parents, infant son Edgar Allan Kiick Jr., brother and sister-in-law Jack and Wilma Gunn, niece Faith Adkins, all of Pachuta, and husbands E.A. Kiick of Chicago, Ernest Crawford of Quitman, and Aden “Si” Devereaux of Gulfport.

Condolences may be shared with the family at www.johnsonfuneralhome.net or mdevereaux@aol.com.













Margaret Ann Renfroe Singleton



HOUSTON, Texas — Funeral services were held at St. Luke’s Methodist Church immediately followed by her committal at Glenwood Cemetery.

Mrs. Singleton, died Wednesday, May 30, 2007. She was born the second of two children to Harris Burt and Margaret Field Renfroe in Meridian, Miss., on Oct. 21,1939. She will always be remembered for her extraordinarily positive outlook on life, and ability to find beauty in everything; loving everything and everyone…she never met a stranger. She was raised and received her initial education in Meridian. Her senior year at Meridian High School was always a memorable year for her, not only because of the many close friendships she cultivated, but also her gratitude for receiving the Pilot Club Award for being the best and the brightest all-around student.

After graduating high school she attended Millsaps College in Jackson, Miss., where she earned her bachelor’s degree in biology. There she was active in the Chi Omega Fraternity, Chi Delta Chapter, and was elected honorary member of Alpha Epsilon Delta Pre-med Fraternity. After receiving her degree, she received her registered medical technologist degree from the University of Mississippi Medical School. She and three other Mississippi girls (known as “The Four Mississipps” moved to Houston and became Medical Technologists at St. Luke’s Episcopal Hospital. She also was employed by the Rush Foundation Hospital in Meridian, and Baylor College of Medicine in Houston where she was involved in research on arteriosclerosis and was a co-author of a publication regarding that project. She was also Board Certified with the American Society of Clinical Pathology. In 1967, she married Edward Singleton, a prominent pediatric radiologist. She and Edward had two children, Ann Field and Scott Renfroe. She was very proud of the following awards which she considered a grateful bonus to her life: Chi Omega Alumnae, Executive Board, Chaplain; Past President, Chi Omega Mother’s Club and Honoree at the Scholarship Luncheon; Chi Omega Kaleidoscope Board and Past Honorary Chairman with her husband; Board Member, past Secretary and Treasurer of Friends of Nursing at St. Luke’s Episcopal Hospital; Baylor College of Medicine Faculty Wives Club; Past President, Chaplain, Crestwood Garden Club; River Oaks Rose Club; Past Honoree with her husband of the Friends of the Medical Center Library; First United Methodist Church Reading Circle, Millsaps College Alumni Council (six years); Millsaps College Long Range Planning Committee (two years); and the Women’s Association at River Oaks Country Club. She was also a long-time member of the St. Luke’s Methodist Church.

Survivors include her husband of more than 40 years, Dr. Edward Singleton; daughter, Ann Field Singleton; son, Scott Renfroe Singleton and his wife Meredith; twin granddaughters, Ella Scott and Reese Ashley Singleton, and the expected arrival of Baby Singleton on the 6th of June; her brother, Harris Burt Renfroe and his wife Senya; nieces, Ann Marie Sevastian and her husband Walter, and Leigh Ann Savastian; nephews Andrew Renfroe and Graham Sevastian and several friends.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Harris Burt and Margaret Field Renfroe.

Donations may be made to the Friends of Nursing at St. Luke’s Episcopal Hospital, or to the Chi Omega Alumnae Association.



Patricia Broadhead Neal



Services for Patricia Broadhead Neal will be held today at 10 a.m. at Barham Funeral Home Chapel with the Revs. Richard Coats and Leslie Aucoin officiating. Burial will be in Oak Grove Cemetery in Clarke County.

Mrs. Neal, 62, of Meridian, died Sunday, June 3, 2007, at Rush Foundation Hospital.

Survivors include her husband, Charles A. Neal, of Meridian; children, Debbie McCarra and her husband, Kevin, of Quitman, Rhonda Massey and her husband, Dwayne, and Tracey Stinson and her husband, Anthony, all of Meridian; grandchildren, Stacey King and her husband, Chris, Davey Massey, Katie Tadlock, and Rachel Tadlock; great-grandchild, Kendall Bean; step-grandchildren, Stephanie Stinson and Tony Stinson; a sister, Jeanette Hall and her husband, Bob, of Brandon and a brother, Thomas Broadhead and and his wife, Linda, of Conyers, Ga. and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Arnold and Margaret Broadhead.



Opal Smith

Homemaker



Services for Opal Smith will be held Wednesday at 11 a.m. at Stephens Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Lamar Lifer officiating. Burial will be in Toomsuba Cemetery.

Mrs. Smith, 89, of Meridian, died Saturday, June 2, 2007, at Rush Foundation Hospital. She will be remembered as a loving wife and mother. She also loved her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, her church, Calvary Baptist Church, of which she was a member for more than 42 years and she loved her friends.

Survivors include her daughter, Sue Harris of Meridian and a son, Larry Wayne Smith of Clarksdale.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Henry Smith.

Pallbearers will be the deacons of Calvary Baptist Church.

Visitation will be today from 5 p.m.- 8 p.m. at the funeral home.

John W. Sanders I

Retired truck driver



Services for John W. Sanders I will be held Wednesday at 2:30 p.m. at Barham Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Jim Rickles officiating. Burial will be in Forest Lawn Cemetery.

Mr. Sanders, 58, of Meridian, died Monday, June 4, 2007, in his home. He was a member of First Assembly of God. He will be remembered as one who loved his children and grandchildren and family gatherings.

Survivors include his children, John W. Sanders II, and his wife, Kristi, Donna Fairchild and her husband, Larry, Elizabeth Sanders and Jason Sanders, all of Meridian; grandchildren, Evangeline Hearne, Dalton Sanders, Jarrett Hearne, Zachary Sanders and Breanna Stewart.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Lettie Sanders; a grandson, Logan Stewart; parents, William Lex and Dixie Sanders; sisters, Ann Gamble and Janice Sanders and a brother-in-law, Bobby Joe Gamble.

Pallbearers will be John W. Sanders II, William Jason Sanders, Robbie Stafford, Chris Stewart, James Beanning and Chris Kynerd.

Honorary pallbearer will be Lane Lolley.

Visitation will be today from 5 p.m.- 8 p.m. at the funeral home.



Angie Hilburn



Services for Angie Hilburn will be held Thursday at 1 p.m. at Barham Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Frank Cosgrove officiating.

Ms. Hilburn, 46, of Collinsville, died Sunday, June 3, 2007, in her home.

Survivors include her children, Melissa Munoz and her husband, Marcos, Justin Garza, and Elena Garza, all of Collinsville; her fiance, Tim Stephens of Collinsville; grandchildren, Gabriella Moya, Alex Munoz, and Dominic Barajas; her mother, Aurora Hilburn of Collinsville; a sister, Norma Curby of Collinsville and a brother, Alex Hilburn, of Michigan.

Visitation will be Thursday from noon until service time at the funeral home.



Maude Smith

Retired



LANSDALE, Pa. — Services for Maude Smith will be held Friday at 10 a.m. at Lansdale United Methodist Church. Burial will be in Whitemarsh Memorial Park Cemetery. Huff and Lakjer Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Mrs. Smith, 93, of Lansdale,formerly of Meridian, Miss., died Sunday, June 3, 2007, in ManorCare Health Services in Montgomery Township. She was born in Epes, Ala., and was the daughter of the Late Benjamin W. and Beulah E. Ashly Smith. She was the wife of the late Russell B. Smith Sr. who died in 1983.

She was a member of Lansdale United Methodist Church and held various offices in the Auxiliary of the Lansdale Fraternal Order of the Eagles and had been an officer of the Women’s Auxiliary of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post No. 32, in Lansdale.

Survivors include her children, Russell B. Smith Jr., and his wife, Teresa, of Lansdale, Constance S. Walter and her husband, Edward M., of Telford and Robert E. Smith of Villa Grande, Calif.; several grandchildren and great-grandchildren; brothers, Paul Smith of Hattiesburg, Miss., and Jesse Smith of Petal, Miss.; sisters, Vivian Smith and Rebecca Nichols, both of Meridian, Miss. and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband; a granddaughter, Tara Lee Smith and brothers; Ben, Allan, and Tom and sisters, Gertrude and Beulah.

Memorials may be made to Lansdale United Methodist Church, 300 N. Broad St., Lansdale, PA 19446 or to the American Lung Association, 527 Plymouth Road-Suite 403, Plymouth Meeting, PA 19462.

Visitation will be Thursday from 7 p.m.- 8:30 p.m. at the funeral home and Friday 30 minutes prior to the service at the church.



Annie Pope White



KERNERSVILLE, N.C. — A memorial service for Annie Pope White will be held at 1 p.m. Monday, June 11, 2007 at Hayworth Miller Cain Funeral Home in Kernersville.

Mrs. White, 82, formerly of Toomsuba, Miss., died, May 22, 2007 at Britthaven of Kernersville. She was born March 1, 1925 in Jefferson Co., Ala., to the late Peter and Nettie Persons Pope.

Mrs. White relocated back to Mississippi after retiring as a book binder in Philadelphia, Pa.

Survivors include her children, Geraldine Gibbson of Kernersville, Chestley White, Jr. of Georgia, and Cheryl Thomas of Massachusetts; a sister, Ejilla Eason; four grandchildren and two great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by a daughter, Bernita White.



Donna Jo Culpepper

Clerk



Services for Donna Jo Culpepper will be held at a later date with James F. Webb Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.

Ms. Culpepper, 45, of Toomsuba, died Monday, June 4, 2007, at Riley Hospital.

Survivors include her mother, Betty Culpepper; a sister, Cindy Miller, and a special friend, Bob Dinwiddie, all of Toomsuba; several aunts, uncles; five nephews and two nieces.

She was preceded in death by her father, Stanley Ray Culpepper and a brother, Danny Ray Culpepper.



Crickett Riley

Homemaker



WAYNESBORO — Services for Crickett Riley were held May 31, 2007, at 1 p.m. at Freeman Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Jim Riley officiating. Burial was in Waynesboro Cemetery.

Mrs. Riley, 85, of Hattiesburg, died Tuesday, May 29, 2007, at Wyndham House in Hattiesburg.

Survivors include her daughter, Peggy Mills, grandchildren, Marjorie Eidson, Relda Freeman; great-grandchildren, Joshua Eidson, Crystal Freeman, Hannah Freeman and Samuel Freeman.

She was preceded in death by her husband, D.T. Riley Jr. and an infant daughter, Mona Riley.



Arnold James Walker Jr.



Arrangements were incomplete at Clark’s Memorial Funeral Home for Arnold James Walker Jr., 71, of Meridian, who died Saturday, June 2, 2007, in his home.



Patricia A. Martin



Arrangements were incomplete at Clark’s Memorial Funeral Home for Patricia A. Martin, 64, of Meridian, who died Saturday, June 2, 2007, in her home.