News in Hattiesburg, MS

Lawrence County Press · Hattiesburg, MS

Jimmie H. O’Neal

A celebration of life will be held for Jimmie H. O’Neal at 2 p.m., on Wednesday, Nov. 11, 2026, at Topeka Baptist Church with visitation from 1 until the time of the service. There will also be a visitation from 5 to 8 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 10, at the church. Burial will be at Roberts Memorial Cemetery in Jayess. Jimmie H. O’Neal, 75, of Jayess, passed away on Nov. 8 in Hattiesburg. He was born on Feb. 22, 1951, in Sledge. Jimmie was a member of Topeka Baptist Church. He enjoyed hunting, golfing, and spending time with his grandchildren. Preceding him in death were his parents, Harl and Mabel O’Neal; his wife, Martha Reans O’Neal; his brother, Harl “Bud” O’Neal Jr.; and sister, Judy Hales. Those left to cherish his memory are his sons, Jason O’Neal and wife Rachel, and Tyler O’Neal and wife Leslie; and his six grandchildren, Cooper, Cohen, Finn, Casen, Callen, and Fields.

Lawrence County Press · Hattiesburg, MS

William Patrick Carr

A celebration of life will be held for William Patrick Carr at 3 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 7, 2026, at Monticello Baptist Church, with visitation from 1 until the time of the service at the church and burial at New Zion Baptist Church Cemetery. William Patrick Carr, 47, of Monticello, passed away on Nov. 5 at Forrest General Hospital in Hattiesburg. He was born on May 1, 1979. He was a member of Monticello Baptist Church, where he sang in the choir and church cantatas and played youth handbells. He worked as a chief mechanic for many international offshore drilling companies. After coming home from offshore, he started working as machinist millwright for numerous companies. Patrick was musically talented with deep bass voice. He played trumpet from fifth grade through college. He loved family outdoor activities, maintaining property and equipment, hunting and fishing with family, and helping others. His cooking specialty was fried deer steak and ribeyes.

Lawrence County Press · Hattiesburg, MS

Russell Jerome Newell

, 78, of Jayess, passed away on Oct. 29, 2026, at Forrest General Hospital in Hattiesburg. He was born on Dec. 5, 1947, to the late Russell Edward Newell and Marguerite Walker Newell. Mr. Newell was a supervisor at Delphi Automotive. He served his country in the United States Army Reserves and was a member of Topeka Baptist Church. He loved all things western. He was an avid golfer in his younger days. My Dad never met a stranger. The only thing bigger than his personality was his heart. He had a love for his family and friends that no words could ever do justice. He will forever be remembered by the smile on his face, the cowboy hat on his head, and his love for everyone he’s crossed paths with. Preceding him in death are his parents; his sisters, Peggy Newell Rutland and Earline Newell Allen; and his daughter, Kristy Newell.

Nearby reporting

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Lawrence County Press · Prentiss, MS

Nearby: Prentiss, MS

Johnny Lee Speights

, 71, of Monticello, passed away on Nov. 8, 2026. He was born in Prentiss to Lee Bruce “L.B.” and Virginia King Speights on Sept. 24, 1955. The family will receive visitors at Wilson Funeral Home from 5 to 8 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 10, and again on Wednesday from 1 p.m. until services begin in the funeral home chapel at 2. Graveside services will follow in the Carmel Baptist Church Cemetery. Johnny was an avid hunter and fisherman who had a lifelong love for the outdoors. He found joy in the simple things in life, especially spending time in the woods, hunting, fishing, and enjoying the beauty of nature. The outdoors was more than just a pastime for Johnny; it was a place where he felt most at home. He was preceded in death by his parents, Lee Bruce Speights and Virginia King Speights; his sister, Genevieve; and his brother, Gary Speights.

Bogalusa Daily News · Bogalusa, LA

Nearby: Bogalusa, LA

COMMUNITY & CHURCH CALENDAR

Editor’s Note: Please send calendar events by 4 p.m. Friday for inclusion in the following Wednesday’s paper. Email event information to [email protected] Parish Pulse meeting set for Nov. 13th in Bogalusa The November Parish Pulse meeting will be on the 13th in the Washington Parish Economic Development Foundation Building at 526 Georgia Avenue, Bogalusa at 8 a.m. International Paper will sponsor the event and speaker will be Bogalusa Mill Manager, Scott Dinkel. Coffee and refreshments will be provided. This monthly meeting is free and open to public. EPIC! Ladies Night set for Nov. 14 at Westside Emmanuel Westside Emmanuel Baptist Church will host EPIC! Ladies Night on Saturday, Nov. 14, offering an evening of clean comedy, laughter and powerful testimonies for women from all walks of life. The event begins at 7 p.m. at Westside Emmanuel Baptist Church in Bogalusa and will feature Rhonda Corey, Chinnita Morris and Leslie Rob.

Bogalusa Daily News · Bogalusa, LA

Nearby: Bogalusa, LA

Greater Ebenezer Baptist Church to Celebrate 99 Years of Faith Sunday

Anniversary and homecoming service set for Nov. 15; State Sen. Rev. Dr. Gary Brumfield to deliver message SPECIAL TO THE DAILY NEWS Nearly a century of faith, fellowship and service will be celebrated as Greater Ebenezer Baptist Church in Bogalusa prepares to observe its 99th Church Anniversary and Homecoming on Sunday, Nov. 15, 2026, at 3 p.m. Located at 1104 Poplas St., Greater Ebenezer Baptist Church is inviting former members, families, friends and the entire community to join in commemorating 99 years of ministry and Kingdom building. This year’s celebration will center around the theme, “This Far by Faith: Looking Back with Gratitude, Moving Forward with Purpose,” reflecting on the church’s rich spiritual heritage while looking ahead to its continued mission of serving God and the community. Pastor Willie Gallager, along with anniversary chairpersons Deacon Eddie Walker and Sister Deloris Walker and their committee, are coordinating the special service.

Bogalusa Daily News · Bogalusa, LA

Nearby: Bogalusa, LA

Bogalusa Invites Residents to Help Make Christmas Magic

City seeks volunteers for Christmas in the Park Commission, announces Dec. 12 Lighted Christmas Parade the daily news The City of Bogalusa is gearing up for a season of Christmas magic, inviting residents to help bring holiday cheer to the community through its Christmas in the Park celebration and annual Lighted Christmas Parade. The Bogalusa Parks, Recreation & Culture Department is seeking enthusiastic, community-minded individuals interested in serving on the Christmas in the Park Commission, helping plan and coordinate one of the city’s holiday traditions. Commission members will assist with planning activities, decorations, entertainment, logistics, promotion and community involvement. The goal is to bring fresh ideas and community participation together to create a memorable holiday experience for Bogalusa families. City officials encourage interested residents to submit applications as soon as possible so the selection and planning process can begin.

Bogalusa Daily News · Bogalusa, LA

Nearby: Bogalusa, LA

Bogalusa Shooting Suspect Arrested

THE DAILY NEWS A 20-year-old Bogalusa man wanted in connection with a shooting that left one person critically injured has been located and taken into custody, according to law enforcement information. Kelly Sibley was booked into the Washington Parish Jail on Friday, Nov. 6, following a shooting in the 900 block of Avenue E that prompted an investigation by the Bogalusa Police Department. The incident occurred Wednesday, Nov. 4, at approximately 6:20 p.m., when Bogalusa Police officers responded to reports of shots fired. Upon arrival, officers learned that a verbal altercation had escalated into gunfire. Investigators were advised that one gunshot victim had been transported by private vehicle to Our Lady of the Angels Hospital before officers arrived. The victim was reported to be in critical condition at the time of the initial investigation. According to police, individuals at the scene initially refused to cooperate with investigators.