Christopher Driebergen

JACKSON COUNTY -- A vehicle wreck on Mississippi 57 killed teenager William Driebergen on Sept. 18, 2009.

Teen Killed in Hwy 57 Wreck

www.wlox.com Sept. 19, 2009

A Highway Patrol official said Driebergen, 16, died when his pickup truck ran off the highway just south of Bunker Hill Road.

Vancleave Teen Dies in Wreck

www.gulflive.com/mississippipress Sept. 20, 2009

The 16-year-old was junior at Vancleave High School and a member of the soccer team.

According to www.wlox.com, the soccer coach says Chris Driebergen was an intelligent person; school friends, who have built a memorial wall, say he was always laughing; they and relatives say he cared about people and would help whoever he could; his mother says he had a full life.

Vancleave Family Mourns Loss

www.wlox.com Monday, Sept. 21, 2009

William Christopher "Chris" Driebergen, 16, of Vancleave died Friday, Sept. 18, 2009, in Vancleave.

Chris was born Dec. 27, 1992, in Goldsboro, N.C. He was in the 11th grade at Vancleave HIgh School and member of the VHS soccer team. He attended St. John's Episcopal Church, where he was a member of the youth club and served as an acolyte.

His family said that one of his many passions was playing his bass guitar.

Chris is survived by parents William and Kim Driebergen, 9-year-old sister Ashton Driebergen, grandparents , aunts, uncles and numerous cousins.

Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 22, 2009, at St. John's Episcopal Church in Ocean Springs, where friends may visit one hour before service time. Interment will follow in Biloxi National Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers the family prefers memorials made to the Vancleave High School Soccer Team, 12424 Mississippi 57, Vancleave, MS 39564.

Bradford-O'Keefe Funeral Home in Ocean Springs is in charge of arrangements.

View and sign register book at www.bradfordokeefe.com

Madison Alivia Stanphill

Tragedy struck in the most unexpected way this week when a 1-year-old girl died after being shot in the head with a pellet gun.

1-year-old dies after being shot by brother

www.gulflive.com/mississippipress

Media reported the shooter is her 5-year-old brother, who was in a vehicle with his sister while their mother went into a pharmacy.

Madison Alivia Stanphill, who lived in McLain, Miss., died Sept. 16.

Funeral services will be Sept. 19 at Freeman Funeral Home in Leakesville, Miss. Burial will be in the Cooley Family Cemetery in McLain.

Dustin L Brown

One of two men killed on Mississippi 63 this week, Dustin L. Brown died after being struck by a hit-and-run driver while walking just north of Moss Point.

Highway authorities said the accident occurred just before midnight Thursday, Sept. 4. Brown, 22, was a resident of Moss Point.

Authorities are looking for the driver of a sports utility vehicle.

2 Men Die on Miss. 613

www.mississippipress.com Sept. 05, 2009

Teenager killed by train

PASCAGOULA -- A teenager died Sunday, Aug. 16, after being hit by a train at the intersection of U.S. 90 and Industrial Road.


Media reports have said the 19-year-old apparently did not see a westbound train that was blocked from his sight by stationary train already at the intersection, which connects with Mississippi 63 near the city limits of Moss Point.


19-year-old Killed by Train Collision in Pascagoula
http://www.gulflive.com/news/mississippipress/news.ssf?/base/news/1250504110135930.xml&coll=5

Couple Who Loved Children Laid to Rest

Today, family and friends buried Byrd and Melanie Billings, a couple well-known for their love and care of special needs children. They adopted at least 13.

The father and mother were killed July 9 in their home in Pensacola, Fla., where police have arrested as many as eight people suspected to have been involved in the fatal military-style home invasion. Officials said they were after the contents of the couple's safe.

Billings' Safe Contents Revealed as Bodies Laid to Rest

Robbers Allegedly Killed for Children's Medication, Family Documents and Some Jewelry

While the tragic story of the death of the Billings has played out on national television, the fact that the tragedy took place in Pensacola is like losing a family member. It struck so close to home.

Pensacola is just down the road ... so to speak. It's a day trip just past Mobile. You know, a skip and a hop east along Interstate 10. It's like taking a trip to see Grandma.

Though the city is located in another state, the frequency of traveling to and doing business there is like an expansion of our own city limits in South Mississippi. Who here really thinks much about traveling back and forth to Pascagoula, Moss Point, Ocean Springs, Gulfport, Biloxi, Mobile, Pensacola, which is located on the Florida Panhandle just east of Alabama.

Many of us in coastal Mississippi either have family in Pensacola, or we know someone from there. For about two years, a friend and I made business trips there once a month. She and her late husband previously had done so for a number of years.

Now Pensacola, home of the Blue Angels, the Navy's flight demonstration team, is in the national spotlight, but not for anyone of its many features. The city lays claim to being the first European settlement.

The fact that such a national tragedy happened so close feels as if the alleged robbers took the life of our next door neighbors. South Mississippi, too, is grieving the lost of family close to home.

Reminder, Lawsuit in Inner Tube Death

WAVELAND -- The death of 10-year-old Madison Camille Karno in a weekend boating accident has stirred memory of a similar incident and a lawsuit by the Waveland girl's father, according to media reports.

Inner tube tragedy rekindles mom's painful memory

www.wlox.com

Father Files Suit in Fatal Boat Crash

www.sunherald.com

Nicholas Karno of the Diamondhead community is suing Bay St. Louis physician Rowe S. Crowder for negligence since his daughter died while reportedly riding on an inner tube on the Jourdan River. Crowder is said to have been driving the boat pulling the tube when the accident occurred.

Girl Killed in Accident Involving a Boat Towing a Tube

www.picayuneitem.com

Madison died Friday, July 3, 2009, in Bay St. Louis, Miss. She was born in Gulfport and was a resident of Waveland.

She was a member of the First Baptist Church in Bay St. Louis, baptized Feb. 15, 2009. She was an active member of youth and Sunday School group and an assistant Children's Church leader.

Madison attended Coast Episcopal School in Long Beach. She participated in Gulf Coast Elite Cheerleading Squad, Diamondhead Dance Academy, Classique Vibe Dance Competition Team, and Troop 544 Brownies of Coast Episcopal.

She was preceded in death by grandfather Nick Karno.

Madison is survived by mother Melissa Karno of Waveland, father Nicholas Karno of Diamondhead, sister Jame' Karno and brother Payton Karno, both of Waveland; grandparents Roberta and Jimmy Harvill of Waveland, Billie Karno of Metarie, La.; great-grandparents Doris and Jim Harvill Sr. of Waveland; aunts Rebecca Zeigler and Tillie Points, both of Metairie; uncles Danny Harvill and wife Betsy of Virginia and David Karno of Metairie; and many other special family members and friends.

The visitation is today (Sunday, July 5, 2009) at the First Baptist Church, 141 Main St. in Bay St. Louis. The funeral service will take place Monday, July 6, at the church. Entombment will follow in Garden of Memory Cemetery in Bay St. Louis.

In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to First Baptist Church Building Fund, 141 Main St., Bay St. Louis, MS 39520, or Camp Bratton Green, 1530 Way Road, Canton, MS 39046.

Edmond Fahey Funeral Home in Bay St. Louis, Miss., is in charge of service arrangements.

Shawn Matthew Hester

It's been two years since the Fourth of July holiday turned from celebration to mourning for the family of Shawn Matthew Hester of Pascagoula.

Born Nov. 28, 1992, Matthew lost his life at age 14 during an autombile accident on Interstate 10 in Moss Point.

Matthew, a student at Trent Lott Middle School in Pascagoula, had played baseball since he was 8 years old and was an avid skateboarder.

Shawn was preceded in death by his grandfathers Elmer R. Carr and James William Hester Sr.

At the time of his death he was survived by mother Carolyn Renee Hester of Pascagoula, father and step-mother Billy and Audrey Hester of Lucedale, sister Lauren Faith of Biloxi, and brothers Jacob William Hester of Lucedale and Caleb Michael Myrick of Pascagoula; step-sister Devon Delancey and a step-brother Hunter Delancey, both of Lucedale; grandmother and her husband Wilma C. and Donald Price of Pascagoula; maternal grandmother Wanda Jackson of Grand Bay, Ala.; four uncles and an aunt who include Loretta Necaise of Jackson, Miss., Alex Clay Green of Jackson, Lindsey Hester and Jenna Hester, both of Gautier and

Kevin Wayne Carr and Kenneth Ray Carr, both of GrandBay, James W. Hester Jr of Gautier, and Ron and Jean Carr of Kiln, Miss.; cousins Loretta Necaise of Jackson, Alex Clay Green of Jackson, Donald Aaron Green of Kiln, Lindsey Hester and Jenna Hester, both of Gauttier, and may other relatives and friends.

Holder-Wells Funeral Home in Moss Point handled funeral arrangements and interment, which is at Jackson County Memorial Park in Pascagoula.

GriefShare Lets Hurting Grieve Together

PASCAGOULA -- Sandra Sumrall said there are always men present at the weekly meetings of GriefShare, a support group for people who have experienced the death of a loved one.

They are young and old, from teenagers to senior citizens. Some are single, some married, a

nd some single again after the loss of their spouses.

Sumrall, coordinator of GriefShare, notes the number of males because they are not the people society normally prescribes as needing consolation. Men are not expected to cry, she said.

"We always have men," said Sumrall. "There's always been young men in the class. There's always been old men in the class. They hurt as badly as we do. It's not always acceptable for them to cry, and so they keep coming."

She said average attendance is about 10, but ranges from six to 20 participants at any one time. Participation, usually about two-thirds women, grows as the class progresses.

GriefShare participants come from all walks of life. They've lost spouses, siblings, children, parents, grandparents, and others.

"The meetings are for everyone who has lost a loved one," said Sumrall.

Family members have died from a variety of reasons - vehicle wrecks, diseases, suicides, etc.

GriefShare, which takes place at First Methodist Church in Pascagoula, usually runs no more than two hours during weekly sessions. The spring class runs from January to May, the spring sessions from August to November.

Sumrall said the meetings allow residents to work through the grieving process.

"What many people find helpful is talking with other people. Many people don't understand people who are grieving," said Sumrall. "They think they ought to get over it and get on with life."

GriefShare members share their grieving processes with each other, including celebrations and memorials that mark the life and loss of family and friends. Some members have special ways to observe birthdays, or conduct activities that help them remember loved ones no longer living.

"What works for one person doesn't work for another," said Sumrall.

The most recent group of GriefShare participants have formed a very tight group, she said, and are still meeting through this summer, though official meetings restart in early August.

"They are by no means over the grieving," Sumrall said. "They saw the benefit of being together. They have come to depend on each other. They have cookouts over the summer."

GriefShare meets each Thursday from 6 to 8 p.m. Residents needing the companionship and help of GriefShare may contact First Methodist Church in Pascagoula at 762-5222, or e-mail Sandra Sumrall at masonsumrall@cableone.net

Lakeisha N. Jones

GULFPORT -- Lakeisha N. Jones, 19, died June 10, 2009.

She attended Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church where she was a member of the Junior Usher Board and Junior Choir. She also participated in choir at Harrison Central Ninth Grade School.

Lakeisha was preceded in death by daughter Genieva Jones; paternal grandfather Henry Jones Sr.; maternal grandparents James H. Dixon and Cora Dixon.

Surviving family members include daughter Alycia "LeLe" Jones McDonald of Gulfport; father Henry Jones Jr. of Biloxi; mother Patricia Dixon Jones of Gulfport; brothers Fredrick Jones of Hattiesburg and Reginald Jones of Gulfport; sisters Freida (Anthony) Moffett and Roshunda Jones, both of Gulfport; special friend Allen Jerome McDonald of Gulfport, and many relatives and friends.

Special thanks were extended to staff at Gulfport Memorial Hospital and at Trinity Neurologic Rehabilitation Center in Slidell, La.

Funeral services were June 19 at Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church, and internment at Monroe Memorial Park.

Arrangements were handled by Lockett-Williams Funeral Home of Gulfport, which is available at www.lockettwilliams.com.

Cassidy Joy Hodges

Twenty years old, Cassidy Joy Hodges died May 28, 2009. She was a resident of Lucedale.

Visitation is from 6 to 9 .m. today at George County Funeral Home. Funeral services will be 2 p.m. June 4.

Burial will be at Shady Grove Cemetery.

Brysheen Jerrell Duckworth

GULFPORT -- Brysheen died May 24, 2009, in Gulfport.

He was preceded in death by maternal grandmother Melissa Smith Lindsey of Gulfport and grandfather Jerome Cole.

Family survivors include mother Belinda Duckworth, grandmother Lillian Cole of Gulfport; brothers Brenillius Duckworth of Gulfport, Bryon Duckworth of Las Vegas and Calvin Smith Jr. of Hattiesburg; sisters Breanna Duckworth of Gulfport, Melissa Johnson and Calvina Smith of Hattiesburg, and other relatives and friends.

Services are set for June 4 at Good Deed Community Center in Gulfport; viewing begins at 10 a.m. The complete obituary may be found at www.marshallfh.com

Malachi Xavier White

Baby Malachi, age 0, passed away May 24, 2009, in Biloxi.

Graveside services are set for 4 p.m. June 4 at Biloxi City Cemetery.

Service arrangements are handled by Marshall Funeral Home and may be viewed at www.marshallfh.com .

Dariane Dominique Cameron

PASS CHRISTIAN -- A memorial service for 17-year-old Dariane Cameron was held April 29 at Our Mother of Mercy Catholic Church in Pass Christian.

The 5 p.m. service allowed students from the teenager's hometown of Pass Christian and friends in other coastal cities to share memories and celebrate the life of the senior at Pass Christian High School.

Funeral services were conducted April 30 at Our Mother of Mercy. Interment was at St. Paul Cemetery in Pass Christian.

Dariane was killed April 25 when the SUV she was driving was struck by a train about 8 a.m. at the St. Paul Street crossing, according to media reports. Local news said she was going to meet with a church members when the collision occurred. Dariane was pronounced dead at 9 a.m. at Memorial Hospital in Gulfport.

South Mississippi residents also may visit www.wlox.com, www.topix.com , and archives at www.wkrg.com, www.wala.com, and www.wxxv.com for more details about the wreck.

Obituary information is available at www.lockettwilliams.com.

Dariane Dominique Cameron of Pass Christian died Saturday, April 25, 2009.

She was a member of Our Mother of Mercy Catholic Church, and participated in the Catholic Youth Organization and Junior Daughters of St. Maria Goretti Court #26.

The 17-year-old was a junior at Pass Christian High School, where she was an honor student, a member of the National Beta Club Honor Society, Mu Alpha Theta Honor Society, Student Council, Math Club, Pirate Showcase Committee, SADD, Interact Club, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Homecoming Court (from sixth to 11th grades), and Dance Club, and was a Boy's Basketball statistician and baseball manager.

She was a recipient of the Boys and Girls Club Member of the Year Award for two years, and she attended a summer enrichment program at University of Mississippi, where she was recognized for oustanding participation.

Dariane was preceded in death by great-grandmother Mae B. Gibson.

Survivors include parents Howard Darron Cameron and Monique Ann Brown, sister Jordyn Alexandra Cameron, brother Quincy Howard Cameron; paternal grandmother Margaret Landy Cameron; maternal grandparents Edward (Ervinette) Brown and Rosaline Brown; aunts Melissa Landry, Natasha (John) Boyd, Erin Michelle Brown; uncles Wayne (Lori) Landry, Michael (August) Brown, Timothy (Alicia) Brown, Jeffrey J. Brown, Conrad Amos, Robert Culberson, Glen Evans, Craig Watts; great-aunt Merle Crenshaw; great-great aunt Althea Johnson, many relatives and friends.

Allison Faye Prassenos

LUCEDALE -- It's been over a year now since Jacob and Pam Prassenos lost their daughter, Allison Faye Prassenos, who died April 16, 2008. She was 4 months old.

The loss was double sorrow, the parents having already lost son William Job.

Other survivors of Allison Faye include grandparents Rhonda Platt, Steve (Karla) Platt, B. Sue Goodwin, Dwight Goodwin, and Bill and Emma Prassenos; great-grandparents Roy and Betty Harmon; aunts and uncles Stevie Platt, Jeffrey Platt, BJ Platt, Jeffrey Hester, Kevin Hester, Erin Schwnn, and Alana, Erin and Chris; other relatives and friends who have been special to the family.

Riemann Family Funeral Home in Gulfport handled funeral arrangements that included service April 21 at First Baptist Church in Helena and burial at Serene Memorial Gardens Cemetery in Moss Point.

At the time, in lieu of flowers, the family requested memorial contributions were made to Ronald McDonald House, 626 Spring Hill Ave., Mobile, Ala., and at www.rmhmobile.org.

Ayden Patrick and Ashtyn Thomas Ulrich

Colby Christine Ulrich and Sean Patrick Morris lost their infant sons just over a week apart.

Ayden Patrick Ulrich died on Saturday, May 2, 2009, and Ashtyn Thomas Ulrich died Monday, May 11, 2009.

They were the grandsons of Jimmye and Steve Ulrich, and great-grandsons of Helen Necaise and the late J.C. Necaise, Earlene Ulrich and the late Benny Ulrich, Melissa Caton and Paw Paw Doug Caton.

Ashtyn and Ayden were the nephews of Dylan Ulrich, Brittany Paine and Bryan Morris; and great-nephews of Sharon Spiers, Connie Debenport and Judy McQueen.

Private funeral services were held at Lake Lawn, handled by Metairie Funeral Home in New Orleans.

Eloi Anthony Guidry Jr.

A motorcycle accident recently claimed the life of Eloi Anthony Guidry Jr.

The Long Beach resident was driving a Honda CRV 600 when he collided with a Ford 250 truck in Pass Christian, according to local authorities, who said speed and alcohol were factors in the fatal wreck.

Read media account at www.sunherald.com: Crash claims young father.

Guidry, 21, died Wednesday, April 22, 2009, at Memorial Hospital at Gulfport following the wreck that occurred at U.S. 90 and Emerald Avenue in Pass Christian, according to local news reports.

Guidry, a lance corporal with the Marine Corps, attended Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College. His family said he loved them, his friends, fast cars, and his dogs George and Sue.

Guidry was survived by wife Desiree Guidry of Long Beach; infant daughter Brenna Leann Guidry; mother Paulette Jones and her husband Scot of Long Beach; father Tony Guidry and wife Lisa of Necaise Crossing; siblings Angela Guidry of Long Beach, Alan Peters of Diamondhead, Tyler Amacker of Pass Christian, Tomi Rene Barnes of Carthage, Stephen Jones of Long Beach, Chris Jones of Carthage, Joseph Stelly of Necaise Crossing; and grandparents Glenn and Norma Dore' of Kiln, Randall Snyder of Asheville, N.C., Robert and Joyce Guidry of Necaise Crossing, and Barbara Jones of Slidell, La.

Funeral services were April 25 at Reimann Family Funeral Home in Long Beach. Interment was in St. Joseph's Cemetery at Rotten Bayou.

In lieu of flowers a memorial account was established at Hancock Bank in Guidry's honor to help provide for his family.

A online guestbook was signed and viewed at www.riemannfamily.com

Safe Kids Week: Tips for Internet Safety

JACKSON, Miss. -- During national "Safe Kids Week 2009," April 26 to May 3, Attorney General Jim Hood offered parents some simple tips to help keep their children safe while surfing the Internet. 

"We're living in a day and time when children know more than their parents about the Internet," said Hood. "Parents need to educate themselves, at least enough to check their computer's history. Even easier, purchase monitoring software to do the job for you.

"Above all, communication is key," Hood said. "Talk to your children about what is acceptable Internet usage and what is not.  Remember, it is your computer, not theirs." 

  

The attorney general reminds parents that while the Internet is a great tool that can open a child's world to a whole new realm of knowledge, it also opens the doors to a whole new set of dangers.

"You have to consider that a computer has the potential to break down every physical barrier between a predator and your child," Hood said. "Who is going to protect them if you don't?"

  
Some simple Internet tips can keep your child safe online:  

• Keep your computer in a family room or den, not in your child's bedroom. 
  
• Have your child participate in a rule setting for Internet usage.
• Know your child's password or keep it to yourself and log them on whenever they need to use the computer. 
• Remember that your child has Internet access away from home and remind him/her that the rules apply at every computer, at home or elsewhere. 
  
• Investigate the variety of parental controls, filtering, or blocking software and spyware protectors available.
  
• Teach your child to never give out personal information to people they meet online. 
• Talk to your children about what to do if they see something that makes them feel scared, uncomfortable or confused. 

For more Internet safety tips, as well as other helpful tips concerning child safety visit www.agjimhood.com and download the full copy of "Guide to Child Safety: A Parents Plan."
  
Information provided by Jan Schaefer, public information officer, Office of the Attorney General, State of Mississippi, 601-359-2002, and memoriesalways. 

Other information to access:

www.safekids.org/stages/index.html

www.safeboatingcouncil.org

www.safekidscanada.ca

www.nwww.pasafekids.org/2009SafeKidsWeek.php

www.northmemorial.com/news/stories/2009/260.cfm

www.news8austin.com/content/your_news/default.asp?ArID=239191

www.psd.plantation.org/fire/docs/Safe-Kids.pdf

www.stjohns.com/news/safekidsweek2009.aspx

www.ctsafekids.org/carseat_info.htm

Austin Tyler Johnson

At just two months, Austin Tyler Johnson, passed away Feb. 16, 2009.

Visitation was Feb. 19 at Riemann Family Funeral Home in Gulfport and services at Ramsey Creek Baptist Church. 

Bobby "Doughboy" Brown Jr.

Friends and family called him Doughboy.

They, fellow students and school district officials were shocked and saddended when Bobby Brown Jr. collasped and died during physical education class at North Gulfport 7th and 8th Grade School. 

Counselors were provided for students devastated by the sudden tragedy that played out before their eyes when the teenager fell to the gymnasium floor, followed by failed attempts to revive him by school personnel. 

Bobby, 16, was born Oct. 5, 1992, in Gulfport, to Latasha Brown and Bobby Sr., who preceded his son in death. Doughboy died March 27, 2009. 

Azariah Matteo Smith

Just a day old, Azariah Matteo Smith passed away March 25, 2009, at Oschner Medical Center in New Orleans. 

Funeral services were held at First Baptist Church of McNeill, and handled by Picayune Funeral Home. 

Katherine Lee Perkins

The family of Katherine Lee Perkins laid to rest their daugther on March 27, 2009. The infant died March 25.

A graveside service was held at Wiggins City Cemetery. Moore Funeral Home handled arrangements. 

Joshua D. Gershon

Joshua D. Gershon, 22, of Osmond, Neb., died March 12, 2009, in Gufport. 

He was sent to Brockhaus Funeral in Creighton, Neb., during arrangements handled locally by Riemann Family Funeral Home. 

Joshua Jackson

A 22-year-old man from the Kiln was one of two Mississippi residents who died in a three-vehicle wreck March 14 in Louisiana, according to a report filed at www.wlox.com

The wreck that killed Joshua Jackson, 22, also killed Casey Wilson of Bay St. Louis, who lost control of the vehicle the two men were riding in on Interstate 10 near the Interstate 12 and Interstate 59 junction in St. Tammany Parish, La. 

A news report said Wilson struck another vehicle in the rear and then another vehicle then struck the side of Wilson's vehicle. Passengers in the other vehicles did not suffer major injuries. 

Mother, daughter laid to rest

GENEVA, Ala. -- A mother and her toddler daughter were laid to rest together March 15,  the second funeral service for victims of the shooting rampage that left 10 people dead across two counties in Alabama on March 10. 

Andrea Myers and daughter Corinne Gracy, 19 months, were buried Sunday in the same casket, the young mother holding her oldest daughter in her arms. 

Sheriff's deputy Josh Myers, husband and father of the two victims, saluted their casket as he said goodbye. 

Myers was devastated by the loss of his wife and daughter, but is glad he has two remaining children. Ella, 3 months, was injured in the shooting but has been released from the hospital. Joshua, 4 years, hid in the house where his mother and sister were shot to death.   

View this story, photograph and other related stories at www.wkrg.com  and www.wlox.com

15-year-old among gunman's relatives in Alabama

Dale Wise was another young person numbered among Alabama residents killed March 10 when Michael Kenneth McLendon went on a shooting rampage across an approximately 25-mile span that included three small towns and two counties. 

Dale, 15, and his mother, Tracy Wise, 34, were relatives of McLendon, killed because of a dispute over a family Bible, according to media reports. McLendon also killed and set on fire his mother, Lisa McLendon, and her four dogs. 

McLendon lived with his mother in Kinston, Ala., but he shot most of his relatives while they sat on a front porch in Samson, Ala. McLendon, 28, finally shot himself in the head at his former workplace, Reliable Metal Products, after the hourlong rampage.   

Corinne Gracy Myers, 18-months old, and mother Andrea Myers were killed as they visited with McLendon's relatives in Samson. Her 4-month-old sister Ella was wounded in the leg. 

Sonya Lolley Smith, 23, was killed while pumping gas at a Samson, Ala., convenience store. James Starling, 24, of Samson was shot and killed while walking on West Pullum Street, also where McLendon's relatives lived. 

 

Joshua Gershon

Nebraska resident Joshua Gershon was working in South Mississippi when he lost his life during a single-vehicle wreck March 12, 2009, in Gulfport.

Media reports said Gershon, 22, was a resident of Osmond, Neb. He died of a head injury after being ejected from his pickup truck late that Thursday night, said a Harrison County official.

According to www.sunherald.com he was not wearing a seatbelt when the wreck occurred about a mile north of Harrison Central High School. 

Personnel with Riemann Funeral Home sent Gershon's body to Brockhaus Funeral Home in Creighton, Neb. 

Levi Lane Stout

Levi Lane Stout, 13, passed away March 11, 2009. He was a resident of Lucedale.

A visitation will be held at 6 p.m. March 15 at George County Funeral Home in Lucedale, which is handling service and burial arrangements. 

The funeral service will be held at 10 a.m. March 16 at Agricola Baptist Church with burial in the church cemetery. 

Corinne Myers killed in Alabama rampage

An 18-month old toddler was among 11 victims of a shooting rampage that extended across three cities in southeastern Alabama on March 10. 

Corinne Myers was with her mother, Andrea Myers, and a 4-month-old sister, Ella, when Michael Kenneth McLendon shot and killed the mother and daughter as well as his own uncle, cousin and nephew as they all sat on a porch in Samson, Ala. McLendon then went next door and shot his grandmother.

A neighbor saved Ella Myers, who suffered a gunshot to the leg, while Joshua Myers, 4 years, had hidden inside the house where his mother had come to visit with neighbors. 

McLendon already had shot his mother, Lisa McLendon, in the head and set on fire her and the home they shared with her three dogs, which he also killed. McLendon and his mother lived in Kingston, Ala., about 12 miles away from the town of Samson. 

Corinne was the toddler daughter of Geneva County sheriff's deputy Josh Meyers, who was among law enforcement officers seeking to stop McClendon's rampage. Meyers told ABCNEWS.com reporters that someone called him and told him to get home as quickly as possible. 

The deputy helped surround McLendon at the Reliant Metal Factory in Geneva, Ala., where the gunman shot himself in the head and died. 

As of today, law enforcement have not determined the exact reason for the shooting rampage.

William Lee Siter

An 18-year-old native of Harrison County died Feb. 6, 2009 in Andover, Conn., where a number of other relatives also live in that state. 

Family members say William Lee Siter was a resident of Hebron, Conn., but had spent most of his life in South Mississippi. He had graduated in 2008 from RHAM high school in Hebron.

William, an organ donor, was able to help others through his donations. 

He was preceded in death by sister Sandie Shaw Siter, great-grandparents J.L. and Betty Dedeaux, and Kelly and Arvy Shaw.

Family members who mourn his passing include mother Anna Marie Shaw Siter of Gulfport, father Glen W. Siter and his wife Dorene, both of Connecticut; brothers Colby Shaw Jerkins of Pascagoula and Justin Shaw and wife Kristin of Gulfport; sisters Kellie Siter (Mrs. Frankie) Sawyer of Gulfport, and Lauren, Katlyn and Marsha Siter, all of Connecticut; step-sisters Jamie and Elizabeth Wilder of Connnecticut; grandparents Gerald and Carol Sister and Adele Siter, all of Connecticut, and Lonnie Colwell and her husband Craig of Gulfport; grandfather Kelly Gene Shaw and his wife Janice of Gulfport; aunt Stacy (Mrs. Chad) Parrish of Gulfport; special uncle Glen Shaw of Gulfport; nephews Christian and Andrew Sawyer.

Visitation and funeral service was Feb. 15, conducted by Pastor Carl Miles of Highland Baptist Church in the chapel of Riemann Family Funeral Home, Three Rivers Road in Gulfport. Burial followed at Shaw Cemetery.

Olivia Jade Abshire

Graveside services were held Feb. 15 for the infant daughter of Joshua W. and Stacey Denton Abshire of Biloxi.

Olivia Jade Abshire died Feb. 12, 2009, in Ocean Springs. She is buried at Machpelah Cemetery in Pascagoula.

She was preceded in death by maternal grandmother Marie I. Denton, paternal great-grandparents Diana B. Abshire, Noland "Red" Trahan and Wilbert L. Trahan; maternal great-grandparents Roy and Mary Denton and Charles Lamora.

Olivia is survived by her parents, sister Ashleigh Barnaba of Biloxi; paternal grandparents Thomas G. and Regina Abshire of Welsh, La.; maternal grandfather Joseph C. Denton of Pascagoula; paternal great-grandparents Alec J. Abshire and Shirley B. Trahan, both of Welsh; maternal great-grandparents Carlton and Eloise Hurst of Cantonment, Fla.; aunts Donna Denton of Pascagoula and Hannah Absire of Welsh, La., and uncle Howard (Mechelle) Denton of Gautier. 

O'Bryant-O'Keefe Funeral Home handled services. 

Candice Lizana

Candice Lizana was 20 years old when she passed away Jan. 29, 2009. 

Visitation and service were held at St. Ann's Catholic Church on Feb. 1. Burial was at Wolf River Cemetery.

Riemann Family Funeral Home of Gulfport handled services. 

Lam Luong

An Alabama father charged in the death of his three children and a step-son pleaded guilty to murder today in Mobile. 

Lam Luong also asked for the death penalty after confessing to the drowning deaths of the children in order to get back at his wife. He said he toss the four children from the Dauphin Island Bridge on Jan. 7, 2008. 

Holden Lee Grant Spears

Having lived only 20 minutes, Holden Lee Grant Spears passed away Feb. 25, 2009.  He is the son of Sasha Spears of Gautier.

He was preceded in death by his aunt Teresa Benjamin, great-grandfather David E. Parnell, and great-great grandmother Abby Parnell. 

He is survived by his mother, sister Kyra Spears; grandparents Steve and Christian Parnell of Gautier; great-grandparents Charlynn Parnell of Gautier and Duane and Sharon Lackey of Arkansas; uncle Brandon Parnell of Gautier, aunt Sharon Parnell of Gautier, great-aunt and -uncle Benny and Sharon French of Gautier; John Longawa of Ocean Springs. 

An evening memorial service will be held March 5 at St. Mary's Catholic Church, officiated by the Rev. Charles Nutter. 

Nelson Dolbares

Nelson Dolbares, 12 years old, was among three family members who died Friday, Feb. 27, 2009, in an airplane crash that occurred over southeastern Louisiana shortly after takeoff.

Dolbares, his mother Tabitha Dolbares and father Glyn Johnson, all of Gautier, had taken off from Slidell, La.,  and were headed to Marksville, La., when the plane crashed without giving a distress signal, according to reporter Krystal Allan at www.wlox.com

The Cessna 182 crashed in rural Livingston Parish. 

Nelson was in sixth-grade at Gautier Middle School. He was an avid football player, loved swimming and fishing, and often spent weekends with his parents on skydiving trips, according to reporter Margaret Baker with www.sunherald.com  

Johnson was a former teacher in Jackson County. 

Read the following comments from family members about the death of their loved ones.  

Aftermath: "How does one get over this?"

March 2, 2009 @ www.sunherald.com

Plane crash victims' families speak for the first time

www.wlox.com

Jillavon Dene Olivier

Jillavon Dene Olivier of Biloxi died Saturday, Feb. 21, 2009, in Mobile, Ala. Graveside services were held Feb. 23.

The infant girl was the daughter of Donavon and Jill Olivier. Her siblings included sister Skyla,  and brothers Brody and Gavin.

Services were held at Mount Calvary Cemetery in Eunice , La.,  and conducted by Bradford-O'Keefe Funeral Home in Biloxi. 

Huy Gia Nguyen

Infant Huy Gia Nguyen died Feb. 22, 2009, in Long Beach. At 29 days old, he was the son of Tuan Nguyen and Quyen Vo. 

Riemann Family Funeral Home of Long Beach handled arrangements. 

Meghan Maria Lara

The parents of Meghan Lara enjoyed their bundle of joy before her life ended after 21 months on Sunday, Jan. 21, 2009, in Gulfport.

Raymond and Lacey Lara of Long Beach observed what would have been the second birthday of their daughter on March 16. She was born in Slidell, La. , and was her parents' angel. 

In her memory, the Laras requested memorials be sent to First Baptist Church of Slidell, 4141 Pontchartrain Blvd., Slidell, LA 70458 or Savannah Smiles Foundation at the same address.

Meghan was preceded in death by great-grandparents Marie and Rene Jean Taillac. 

Survivors are her parents,  sister Madison Lara, brothers Alec Lara and Jason Decker; grandparents Colette and Buddy Decker, Telenodia Gilbet, and Raymond Lara Sr.,  and great-grandfather James W. Decker.

Riemann Family Funeral Home of Long Beach handled arrangements that included services Jan. 14 at the chapel. Interment was at Gulf Pines Memorial Gardens.  

Matthew William Myers

Private funeral services were held recently for infant Matthew William Myers.

Matthew was 18 days old when he died Friday, Feb. 18, 2009, in Gulfport, where his twin brother Christian James Myers had preceded him in death. 

Survivors include parents William and Brigett Myers, brother Price Samuel Myers, grandparents James and Gerri Garringer and William and Edie Myers, and aunts, uncles and other relatives.  

Residents wanting to offer condolences may visit www.bradfordokeefe.com. 

No Wrongdoing in Billy Joe's Death

Media outlets covering the investigation of the Dec. 8 death of a star athlete at George County High today reported that a grand jury in Lucedale found no evidence of wrongdoing.

VIDEO -- Grand jury proceedings begin in Johnson case 

STORY-- www.wlox.com

The findings, which were read in open court Feb. 13 by jury forewoman Regina Graham, said that Billey Joe Johnson Jr. of Benndale died of an accidental shooting at his own hands. 

Grand jury to reveal findings in Billey Joe Johnson case today

www.gulflive.com

She said that forensic evidence showed the 17-year-old's fingerprints on the barrel of the shotgun, which did not have its safety feature in place. However, testimony of family members, civic leaders and others ruled out the possibility that Johnson would have killed  himself. 

Hear hope for healing by Lucedale mayor 

www.wlox.com

The evidence, including police records and unnamed witnesses also showed that the officer --  Sheriff's deputy Joe Sullivan -- who had pulled over Johnson for running a stop sign and redlight was at his patrol vehicle checking for information about the star running back at the time he heard the gunshot that took Billey's life. 

The evidence also showed that Billey Joe Johnson Jr. was not attempting to break into the home of his former girlfriend, Hannah, but was merely attempting to say hello when he tapped on the window of her home before he died minutes later Dec. 8, 2008. 

There were discrepancies in the timing of the events of that morning, according to the grand jury forewoman, who said that police headquarters and officers' clocks were not in sync. But apparently the differences in time were not enough to change significant consideration of the overall findings.

Mom doesn't buy ruling on Miss. athlete shooting

www.gulflive.com

Billey Joe's family and many residents in George County were heartbroken and unbelieving of the jury's conclusion. His parents, Billey Joe Sr.  and Annette Johnson, have vowed to continue their legal pursuit for "justice" in the death of their son.  The father said someone killed his son.  

"We are going further and we are going higher," the teenager's mother said. 

The family's attorney, Jerome Carter of Mobile, Ala., and Curley Clark, president of the Jackson County NAACP, plan to continue an independent investigation, present evidence to the U.S. Justice Department and ask for a federal probe.

VIDEO -- NAACP's Clark talks about investigation into teen's death

STORY -- www.wlox.com 

  

District Attorney Tony Lawrence assured the family of Billey Joe Johnson Jr. that the investigation into the death of the outstanding student-athlete would be thorough. He met with the family during the investigation and work to stop rumors that spread through the community about the case.

Lawrence said that it would be hard for some to accept the finding of an accidental death, but that is what the facts showed. 

Billy Joe Case Goes to Grand Jury

UPDATE (2/12) -- The grand jury decision expected Wednesday will be made today.

During the early afternoon today South Mississippi residents are expected to learn what decision was made by a grand jury hearing evidence concerning the untimely death of teenager Billey Joe Johnson Jr. 

The circumstances of the Dec. 8, 2008, death of the high school football standout has caused racial tension among Lucedale residents where the star athlete had once been a source of pride and community spirit for students at George County High and residents across that county and South Mississippi.

National media attention has focused on the case, and interest in the investigation has stirred community action groups both local and across the country.  

Comments on South Mississippi and regional media outlets have ranged from deep sadness and hurt for and because of the family and their legal actions following Johnson's death, to downright hateful and mean name-calling from some spouting racists remarks about Johnson and the civil rights organization also investigating the circumstances of the Benndale teen's death.   

Billey Joe, 17, died of a gun shot to the head after being stopped by a Lucedale police officer. He said Johnson was pulled over after failing to stop for a red light and a stop sign. The officer has said he was in the process of making a call to the police station when he heard the gun go off.

Lucedale Police Chief Garry Welford has surmised that Johnson possibly died of a self-inflicted wound, though the chief has also speculated that the gunshot could have been an accident. 

Johnson's family members have said they do not believe their relative killed himself.  His parents, Billey Joe Sr. and mother Annette, have said he had too much to live for, and was preparing to attend Auburn University. 

The parents sought attorney Jerome Carter of Alabama and the NAACP, asking local chapter Pesident Willie Gaines and Jackson County-Moss Point Chapter President Curley Clark to investigate.  An independent autopsy has concluded Billey Joe Johnson Jr. did not kill himself.

Clark has said the death was either an accident or a homicide. 

Regional District Attorney Tony Lawrence has held news conferences and meetings with the media and Johnson's family to squash wildfire rumors about the death, and to assure Johnson's family and the public that the case was being thoroughly investigated. 

Days after Johnson's death the case became cloudy and more circumspect after the public learned Johnson was in legal trouble at the time he died on Mississippi 26.  Just prior to the traffic pullover, Billey Joe had been identified as the suspect in a reported burglary attempt at the home of his former girlfriend, according to information gained from the public. 

The female student, who attends George County High, and her mother were reportedly on their way to file charges against the Johnson during the early morning hours, sometime before 6 a.m. 

Family, friends, local and national groups gathered at the George County Courthouse on Feb. 10 as a grand jury hearing convened on the case. Their decision is expected about 1:30 p.m. today. 

__________________________________________________________________

Information for this posting at memoriesalways.blogspot.com has appeared in broadcast, print and online media outlets across South Mississippi and South Alabama, as well as regional and national publications. Followers of memoriesalways should access news links available at this posting and other media sources either unlisted or unknown to the author of this original report.  

Wille James Moore

The family of Willie James Moore, 23, of Pascagoula recently marked the two-year anniversary of his death, which was Sunday, Jan. 21, 2007, in Mobile, Ala.

Moore was attached to the 2nd Assault Amphibian Battalion, 2nd Marine Division in Gulfport, Miss.(RUC 83279). He was activated and deployed to southwest Asia during April 2006 in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. During two tours to Iraq, he received several medals.

Internment was Jan. 29, 2007, at Biloxi National Cemetery.

Breelynn and Brooklynn White

Infants Breelynn and Brooklynn White of Waveland died Saturday, Feb. 7, 2009.

Funeral arrangements for the twin girls will be handled by Riemann Family Funeral Home in Pass Christian. 

Visit www.riemannfamily.com for more information. 

Courtney and Ashley Womack

It's been two years since sisters Courtney Lynn Womack and Ashley Elizabeth Womack perished during a house fire at the home of their grandfather during January 2007. 

The deaths of Courtney, 8, and Ashley, 6, shocked and saddended the Bond community located north of Wiggins. The Stone County residents had not seen a child fire fatality in more than 30 years, according to the Fire Chief Jody Hatten in Wiggins.   

“That’s what’s been so tough right now, with everybody,” Hatten told a reporter with www.sunherald. com at the time. "It's all jumping on us at one time."

Tiffany Deanna Blaylock, Joseph Michael Powell

Joseph Michael Powell

A graveside service for Joseph Michael Powell was conducted Dec. 24 at Biloxi National Cemetery.

Joseph, an infant, died Dec. 17, 2008, in Kailua, Hawaii.   

Bradford-O'Keefe Funeral Home was in charge of services.

Tiffany Deanna Blaylock

Tiffany Deanna Blaylock, 7 weeks old, died Dec. 21, 2008, in Gulfport. 

Bradford-O'Keefe also conducted funeral arrangements, which included a morning visitation and service at Greater Mt. Olive Baptist Church on Dec.27.  

Dauphin bridge drowning anniversary

Earlier this month family and residents in Alabama marked the one-year anniversary of the drowning of four children allegedly tossed from an 80-foot high bridge, a tragedy that caused heartbreak across the Gulf Coast region.

The deaths occurred Jan. 7, 2008, over Mobile Bay where law officials say the children were thrown from the Dauphin Island Bridge. They ranged in age from 4 months to 3 years. 

Mobile County Sheriff's Department accused Lam Luong of throwing his children from the bridge after arguing with the children's mother, Kieu Phan. His capital murder trial begins March 9 in Mobile. 

The bodies of 3-year-old Ryan Phan, 2-year-old Hannah Luong, 1-year-old Lindsey Luong and 4-month-old Danny Luong were found within a two-week period in three states as government agencies and residents across southern Alabama, Mississppi and Lousiana searched for the missing children.

Ryan and Danny were found in marshes of Alabama, Lindsey in Mississippi near Chevron Inc.,  and Hannah in the open ocean of Louisiana.  

Law enforcement included Jackson County Sheriff's and Pascagoula Police departments and the Coast Guard, as well as fishermen, marine and wildlife personnel, and residents all along this southern coastal area. 

Vigils and rememberances were held during the holidays and earlier this month for the children to mark the day of their passing, and to continue support for their mother and other family members. 

More stories may be viewed at www.wkrg.com

Birthday party Anyway

The family of Shakeylia Marie Anderson plan to observe the upcoming birthday of the Gulfport teenager, who would have turned 18 years old on Jan. 30. 

"We're having the party anyway," mother Sandra Anderson told reporter Robin Fitzgerald at www.sunherald.com. 

Anderson, 17 at the time of her death in early December 2008, was a student at Harrison Central High School, where she participated in ROTC. 

Harrison County prosecutors charged Leslie Galloway III, 25, of Moss Point with capital murder, underscored by rape and arson. A preliminary hearing Jan. 23 presented details of Anderson's death, including evidence linking Galloway to the murder. Judge Robin A. Metcalfe sent the case to a grand jury. 

Law enforcement accused Galloway of raping Anderson, who was said to have been his girlfriend, burning her body and causing her death by running over the teenager several times with a vehicle. A Ford Taurus belonging to Galloway's mother was used, according to media reports. 

SunHerald.com reported that Galloway claimed two other males committed the crimes against Anderson after forcing the couple to leave a park. Law enforcement believe Galloway is the culprit.

Hunters discovered Shakeylia Anderson's body Dec. 6 in a wooded area off Mississippi 15.

Elijah Luvell Watson

Infant Elijah Luvell Watson, born Oct. 24, 2008, lived two and a half months before he passed away Monday, Jan. 12. 

He was the son of Marcus and Andrea Ladnier Watson, and brother of T.J., Bethany and Joshua, all residents of Vancleave, and brother Jedrek of Texas City, Texas.

Elijah, known as a miracle baby, also is survived by paternal grandfather Dunbar Watson Sr., maternal grandparents William Terry and Donnie Sue Bingham Ladnier; 

Aunts, uncles and cousins who include Donna, Michelle, Lisa, Danny, Juanisha, Shelton, Calisa, Jessika, Alexander, Matthew, Gina, Laura, Connie and Gene, Will and Erica, Daniel, Kristen and Rafael, Britni, Jun, Traci, Quique, Kerr, Isa, Jake, Greyson, Scott and Ellen, Steve and Carrie, Bryon and Stevie, Bekah, Jeremy and Amy and children, Joshua and Lisa and children;

Great-aunts and uncles Pat, Carol and Jimmy, Shane, Joe and Rudy, and friends including Bryant and Carson, Amber and Dustin, Laura, Leslie, Lori and Paul. 

Elijah was preceded in death by sister Raven A. Ladnier, paternal grandmother Annye Pearl Watson and great-uncle Paul Ladnier.

The family sent thanks to nurses and other staff at USA Women and Children's Hospital in Mobile and Children's Hospital at University of Alabama at Birmingham -- Shelly, Mary, Shay, Patti, Jenna, Christy, Mike, Donna, and many others. 

Bradford-O'Keefe Funeral Home arranged visitation Jan. 16 at its chapel in Ocean Springs with funeral services Jan. 17. Burial is at Community of Christ Cemetery in Vancleave. 

Shynia Denise Montgomery

Shynia D. Montgomery,  infant, of Gulfport passed away Jan. 5, 2009. 

Graveside services were held Jan. 15 at Biloxi City Cemetery, arranged by Marshall Funeral Home.

Jett Travolta

The nation has been grieving with the family of teenager Jett Travolta, son of movie stars John Travolta and Kelly Preston.

Jett, 16, died Jan. 02, 2009, after suffering a seizure at the vacation home of his parents located in The Bahamas.  The family held burial services this week after returning to Ocala, Fla.

National news reports said a caretaker discovered the young man in a bathtub, on which police officials initially surmised he had hit his head, but funeral officials later said that was not the case. Jett's father administered CPR until paramedics arrived on the scene. 

John Travolta, who is a Scientologist, identified his son's body after the teenager was taken to a Bahamian hospital, where he was prononuced dead and an autopsy performed.  Travolta and Kelly Preston were reported to have spent several hours with the body of their son after the identification.

Jett Travolta was cremated before the family returned to the United States.