Leona Cemetery

Inscriptions

(African-American)

Compiled 2000 by Wallace L. "Matt" Dillon Jr.

Revised: December 2002

Leona Cemetery is located in the south-eastern part of Jasper Co., MS. From Exit 113 on I-59 (Heidelberg/Bay Springs Exit) take State Highway 528 West for 1 mile. Turn north on State Highway 503 for 3.5 miles. The cemetery is on the right behind the Leona Methodist Church. It is well maintained and burials continue to be made there. The photo at left was taken within the cemetery in the old section looking east towards the new section. Coordinates are: 31°57.75”N 089°00.45”W.

I have shown dates in the DDMMMYYYY format for easier reading. The (double marker) note means two separate headstones with surname between resting on a double base. The (double base) means two separate headstones (with full names) resting on a double base. Row numbers were determined as best I could using the cemetery layout and may not necessarily agree with any other compilation (if any) or official cemetery or church records. Abbreviations used here are as follows: BB = Brick Border; CB = Concrete Border; CS = Concrete Slab; DM = Double Marker; DBS = Double Base; FHM = Funeral Home Marker; FM = Foot Marker; FS = Foot Stone; GB = Granite Border; GS = Granite Slab; SM = Stone Marker.

Rows were numbered from West to East; Graves listed from right to left (North to South). Rows with only a few graves were counted as full rows as the cemetery is still active. I have tried diligently to copy all inscriptions accurately; however there is no guarantee that this work is 100% correct. If anyone sees an obvious error, please do not hesitate to let me know.

Row 1 (from front – West end) (R-L):

Rebecca A. HURSCHAL

? HURSCHAL

(CS with FHM) Albert HEARD 29 Nov 1895 27 Oct 1968 MISSISSIPPI PVT 67 AVN SQ AAF WORLD WAR II

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Row 2 (North to South) (R-L):

(DBS with “L” Between; GB around a double plot – marble bed)

Cassie R. LIGHTSEY 27 Dec 1900 21 Jan 1975

George W. LIGHTSEY 04 Sep 1900 01 Aug 1998

Lula Corine JOHNSON 10 Dec 1929 24 Nov 1990 "In Loving Memory of Our Mother"

(CS) Namon NIXON 08 Feb 1928 28 Oct 1973

(CS) Handy GILMORE 30 Nov 1933 04 Aug 1971

(CS) Ethel L. GILMORE 20 Feb 1895 18 Feb 1979 "At Rest"

Theater GILMORE 02 Sept 1898 02 Jan 1969 "At Rest"

(CS) Vinie LIGHTSEY 12 Sep 1867 15 Oct 1953

(CS) G. W. LIGHTSEY Sr. xx Jun xxxx xx Jux xxxx

(CS) Cassie PIERCE 01 Sep 1904 30 Apr 1979

(CS) B. Frank PIERCE 24 Dec 1904 20 Nov 1996 "In Loving Memory"

William JONES 24 Apr 1907 18 Feb 1984

(CS) Cornelius HEARD 10 Feb 1906 27 Jan 1985 "______ Brother"

Hattie G. HEARD 18 Aug 1881 20 Feb 1973 “We Will Meet Again”

(CS) George W. HEARD 14 Dec 1878 12 Jul 1928 "Gone But Not Forgotten"

(CS) Rosella MCCORMICK Died 12 July 1912 "Wife of A. H. Heard" "Age 50 Years"

(CS) UNKNOWN

(CS with FHM) Prof. W. M. HEARD 12 Nov 1874 17 Oct 1943 "Married to Sallie Pickens Apr 26, 1903 & Sophronie Kelly 16 Dec 1911. He is now at rest"

(CS with FHM) Mother Sophronia HEARD 29 Jul 1884 14 Apr 1955

(CS) Pickens HEARD 18 May 1906 25 Jun 1975

Row 3 (North to South) (R-L):

(CS) Henry MOORE 18 Mar 1901 22 Dec 1982

Pink MCCORMICK 24 Aug 1881 28 Jul 1945 “Asleep On” “May He Rest In Peace”

(CS) Lucius MILSAP 18 Jun 1956 18 Apr 1991 "In Loving Memory"

Walter HEARD 10 May 1912 22 Aug 1952 MISSISSIPPI CPL 59 PORT CO WORLD WAR II

John W. SAMPSON 05 May 1916 21 Jul 1981 “Gone But Not Forgotten”

(SM with bent FHM) UNKNOWN

Walter A. HEARD 17 Dec 1882 31 Mar 1947

(CS) Rhonda Ann HEARD 29 May 1960 30 May 1960

M. L. HEARD Died 04 Feb 1946 “Gone But Not Forgotten” “Left Us All Heartbroken”

(SM at top of CS) UNKNOWN

Row 4 (North to South) (R-L):

(DM – One large stone, surname on front – MCCORMICK)

Celia L. 25 Mar 1886 23 Nov 1966

Samuel J. 09 Jan 1889 04 Apr 1955

Row 5 (North to South) (R-L):

(CS) Leemar MILSAP 03 Dec 1955 23 Jan 1993 “Until We Meet Again” “Heaven is my Home”

(DM – One large stone, surname on front – MILLSAP) "Until We Meet Again"

Abraham 17 Mar 1912 12 Feb 1967

Nancy N. 10 Sep 1925 12 Feb 1985

(DM – One large stone, surname on front – MILLSAPS)

Charles 17 Dec 1875 14 Jun 1963

Lillie 05 Dec 1883 19 Jun 1971

Johnnie JONES Born 08 May 1935 Died 20 Aug 1923

Horace JONES “Darling Husband” “At Rest Asleep In Jesus”

(Two Separate Headstones upon a common Concrete Base)

Samuel JONES 10 Jan 1904 20 May 1978

Candis Heard JONES 09 Jan 1904 28 Mar 1951 "Gone But Not Forgotten"

UNKNOWN (Headstone toppled over)

(CS) Mother Emily CARMICHAEL "Wife of H.S. Jones" 08 Dec 1880 10 Jan 1963 "Gone But Not Forgotten"

(CS with FHM) Daughter Janettie Jones CHERRY 21 Nov 1909 10 Oct 1978

(CS) Welka McCORMICK 10 June 1902 13 Feb 1978

Row 6 (North to South) (R-L):

(GS) David MILLSAP 01 Jun 1912 20 Aug 1986 “Beloved Father”

(CS) Vinia Millsap DURR 25 June 1914 17 Aug 1978 “Our Sister” “In Loving Memory”

(SM) UNKNOWN

(CS) Ruth Lee Jones COOLEY 20 Feb 1932 01 Dec 1975

(CS) Willie Mae SMITH 04 May 1923 09 Mar 1973

(DM resting on a triple granite plot)

Henry PARKER 04 Apr 1875 22 Oct 1958

Julia Jones PARKER 07 Jan 1893 02 Apr 1973

Bessie Mae PARKER 26 Mar 18xx xx Jul 19xx “Our Mother…………….”

Bessie JONES 30 Nov 1872 05 Jan 1943 Illegible Text

Ransom JONES 22 Dec 1890 11 Jul 1924 “Rest Soldier…..?”

Nan JONES Father Born In Slavery Died 21 Sep 1918 Illegible Text

Easter JONES Mother Born In Slavery Died 24 Jul 1913 “Gone But Not Forgotten…….?”

Row 7 (North to South) (R-L):

Maya Kenyatta Natahsa LEE 30 May 1974 27 Oct 1974 “Our Darling” “Suffer Little Child Come Unto Me”

(CS) Mrs. Lealah PIERCE 10 Jul 1884 02 Jan 1971 “At Rest”

(CS) UNKNOWN

Reilly SMITH 26 Feb 1896 04 Jul 1967

Jack SMITH Father Born 1854 Died 27 Oct 1939 “Age 85 Years” “Gone But Not Forgotten”

Bryan T. SMITH Born 1908 Died 09 Oct 1937 “Blest Be His Name” “At Rest”

Mother Georgegianna SMITH Born 1861 Died 20 Nov 1940 “Gone But Not Forgotten” “At Rest”

(CS) Carrie McCORMICK 07 Oct 1904 24 Oct 1969

James McCORMICK 25 Feb 1925 07 Jun 1943 “He Is Not Dead – He’s Just Away”

Isrella JONES 03 Sep 1901 23 June 1927 “Faithful To Her Trust Until Death”

(SM) UNKNOWN

UNKNOWN

George JONES 18 Sep 1894 23 Jul 1969 MISSISSIPPI PVT US ARMY WORLD WAR I

Row 8 (North to South) (R-L):

(CS) UNKNOWN – Concrete Slab w/Pot in center w/white flowers

George JONES

(FHM) UNKNOWN

Manuel W. JONES 1889 1976 “Gone But Not Forgotten”

Bettie Jones CALHOUN 24 Xxx 1874 10 Nov 1938 “She was the Sunshine In Her Home”

Robert CALHOUN 04 Mar 1868 21 Dec 1924 “Gone But Not Forgotten”

(CS) Lurlean JONES 14 May 1907 15 June 1969

Joe JONES Jr. xx Xxx 19xx xx Xxx 19xx

Oties Lee JONES Born 21 Jun 1935 Died 18 Dec 1957

Mrs. Tump JONES 09 Oct 1876 19 Jun 1978

(CS) Mr. Johnnie JONES 07 Jun 1877 May 1941

Isom JONES Born 1908 Died 31 May 1951

Row 9 (North to South) (R-L):

(FHM) Georgia W. PIERCE 01 Apr 1919 21 Aug 2000 “Age 86”

Alice JONES 12 Apr 1915 12 Oct 1971

(CS with FHM) Curtis W. JONES 10 Sep 1916 ? MISSISSISSIPPI TEC5 741 AAA GUN BN CAC WORLD WAR II

(CS) Mary J. JONES 10 Sep 1894 15 Jun 1971

(CS) Carl W. JONES 17 Nov 1892 19 Mar 1974

(CS) Maggie WINDHAM 03 Aug 1915 01 Mar 1969 “Our Loved One”

(CS) Lula RHODES 25 Xxx 1875 20 Aug 1924 “Gone But Not Forgotten”

(CS) Perry RHODES Father 20 Jul 1872 20 Jul 1934 “Gone But Not Forgotten”

Row 10 (North to South) (R-L):

(CS w/ FHM - Guardian Angel Placard) UNKNOWN

(CS with FHM) UNKNOWN

(CS) Dorothy Mae McCORMICK 1937 1965 “Daughter” “The Lord Is My Shepherd I Shall Not Want”

(CS) UNKNOWN

(CS) Sam F. JONES Sep 8, 1902 28 Dec 1971 “Gone But Not Forgotten” “68 Years”

(CS) Mother Hattie JONES Born 18 Nov 1903 Died 14 Jul 1952 “At Rest”

Frist JONES Father Born 22 Aug 1878 Died 22 Jul 1952 “Age 75” “At Rest”

Willie DINHAM Died 05 Sep 1959 “Age 52 Years”

David J. JONES 06 Mar 1906 22 Jan 1959

Orene B. JONES 20 Sep 1910 10 Oct 1956

L.R. BETHEA Born 29 Feb 1881 Died 05 Jul 1912 “At Rest”

(Marble base around double plot – marble bed)

BRAME (DM – one large stone with separate headstones)

John W. 15 Sep 1863 19 May 1935

Carrie 25 Dec 1870 01 Jun 1933

(CS) Mary Lindsey JONES Born Mar 1876 Died 20 Mar 1957 “Gone But Not Forgotten”

(CS) Phillip JONES Died 1920 “Gone But Not Forgotten”

Row 11 (North to South) (R-L):

Melvin MILSAP Died 14 Feb 1940 “At Rest”

Vernel MILSAP 31 Jul 1939 “Age 38 Years” “At Rest”

Row 12 (North to South) (R-L):

Lamse JONES Born 1904 Died 16 Mar 1968

(FHM) UNKNOWN

J.P. THIGPEN 1936 1953 “Gone But Not Forgotten”

Geneva H. NIXON 30 Nov 1903 09 Jan 1979 “Our Dear Mother”

Wife Jesse M. HOLDER 1926 1960

Row 13 (North to South) (R-L):

Rose Ann JONES 13 Oct 1885 14 May 1972 “At Rest”

(CS) Sam JONES 23 Apr 1882 28 Nov 1960 “Husband of Rosie Ann JONES” “Age 87 Years” “At Rest”

Napoleon JONES

James MILSAP Died 05 Jun 1920 “Age 73 Yrs” “At Rest”

(FHM) UNKNOWN

Row 14 (North to South) (R-L):

(CS) Janie J. ROBERTS 26 Jul 1913 26 May 1931 “The Lovely Flower Has Faded” “Sister”

(CS) Alberta O. HALLER 09 Nov 1898 11 Jul 1924 “The End Crowns The Work” “Mother”

Ella LEWIS “Gone But Not Forgotten” “Sister”

Sendie SMITH Born 28 Feb 1875 Died 13 Nov 1943 “At Rest”

John SMITH Born 15 Mar 1870 Died 01 Apr 1941 “At Rest”

Chester SIMS Born 17 Oct 1907 Died 17 Oct 1937 “Age 30 Yrs.” “Gone But Not Forgotten” “At Rest”

Mary MILSAP Died 11 Jan 1911 “Age 59” “At Rest”

Nancy JONES Born 02 Mar 1872 Died 27 Aug 1925 “The Mother of Three Children” “At Rest”

Sam JONES Born 19 Mar 1866 Died 16 Feb 1948 “At Rest”

Row 15 (North to South) (R-L):

Joe Lee JONES 12 Feb 1949 22 Jun 1975 PFC US ARMY

(CS) UNKNOWN

(CS) Vera TROTTER 20 Feb 1910 19 Jan 1930 “Mother” “Though You’re Gone, I Can’t Forget You. In My Heart You Will Remain”

(CS) Lula ROBERTS 06 Jul 1880 26 Jul 1927 “Gone But Not Forgotten”

(CS) Wyatt MILLSAP Born 08 May1878 Died 18 Apr 1941 “At Rest’

(CS) Bettie GILMORE Born 12 Dec 1904 Died 14 Oct 1942 “At Rest”

Moses JONES 1919 1974 CPL US ARMY

Husband Jim JONES 23 May 1893 28 Oct 1968

(CS) Willie E. PRUITT 22 Sep 1923 29 Mar 1986 CPL US ARMY WORLD WAR II

(CS) Janie Garnell GAVINS 26 June 1941 30 May 1960 “In Loving Memory”

Hester JONES 1820 1929

UNKNOWN

(FHM) UNKNOWN

Cassie M. STEVENS 26 May 1938 11 Nov 1959

(CS) George MILLSAP Born 05 Nov 1908 Died 13 Oct 1961 “At Rest”

Row 17 (North to South) (R-L):

(CS) Horace JONES Jr. 09 Feb 1917 14 Aug 1992 US ARMY

(CS) Eloise Richard JONES 24 Dec 1921 17 Oct 1967

(DM – One large stone, surname on front – JONES)

Horace Sr. 02 Jun 1891 15 Feb 1966

Victoria House 01 Apr 1892 31 Jul 1966

Walter JONES Died 14 Oct 1962 “Age 75”

Row 18 (North to South) (R-L):

(CS) Mattie Hunel? Born 27 Oct 1937 Died 28 June 19xx

(DM – One large stone, 2 separate headstones with stone between: “Sisters”)

Mary A. CROSBY 27 Aug 1941 05 Feb 1983

Victoria EVANS 05 Nov 1944 11 Aug 1994

Otis JONES MISSISSIPPI PFC 4055 QM SVC CO WORLD WAR II

(FHM with CS) James JONES 14 Nov 1975

Sandia COOPER Born 08 Mar 1889 Died 8 Mar 1907 “Daughter of John Cooper”

John COOPER Born 15 Nov 1861 Died 15 Dec 1910 “Gone But Not Forgotten”

Jane JONES Born 1837 Died 22 Mar ???? “At Rest”

Joe JONES Born 1865 Died 16 Oct 1932 “At Rest”

Gerrie JONES 1887 1957 “Age 88” “Gone But Not Forgotten”

Leroy JONES 23 Aug 1890 12 Dec 1955 CPL UNITED STATES ARMY WORLD WAR I

Row 19 (North to South) (R-L):

Pink JONES MISSISSIPPI PVT CO E 816 PIONEER INF WORLD WAR I

(SM) UNKNOWN

(FHM with CS) UNKNOWN

Row 20 (North to South) (R-L):

Kattie H. JONES 1932 1993

(FHM) Nezzie Pearl JONES May 23 1950 28 Dec 1986

(CS) UNKNOWN

Nancy NEWELL Born 1900 Died 19 Jun 1945 “Wife of Nate Newell”

August NELSON 29 Jul 1894 26 Aug 1953 MISSISSIPPI PVT CO C 14 REPLACEMENT BN WORLD WAR I

Sam JAMES 21 Jul 1904 17 May 1943 “Son” “Just a While Ago He Called You Away, We Miss You More Than Words Can Say”

Pink DALES 08 Dec 1908 23 Jan 1943 “Son” “Weep Not He’s Not Dead Only Sleeping”

Ella M. ROBERTS 16 Apr 1909 09 Sep 1935 “Death Is the Crown of Life” “Sister”

Luvinia DAVIS 10 Nov 1892 25 Moh 1935 “We Loved The But God Loved The Best” “Mother”

Aaron JAMES 09 Sep 1858 08 Moh 1940 “Faith Unto the End” “Father”

Janie JAMES 1865 1996

(CS) William Haskell DALE 11 Feb 1875 07 Aug 1964

Row 21 (North to South) (R-L):

(DM with surname at top center - JONES)

Almelia “Sis” 22 Aug 1902 15 Aug 1996

Hal “Cap” 15 Aug 1899 24 Apr 1993

(CS) Marvin JONES 08 Dec 1924 10 Mar 1983 PFC US ARMY WORLD WAR II

(CS) Simon JONES 21 Oct 1925 24 Mar 19xx PVT US ARMY WORLD WAR II

Ellis JONES 27 May 1927 01 Apr 1984 “We Love You, But God Loves You Best”

(CS) Robert Edward JONES 26 Jul 1964 31 Aug 1986 SP4 US ARMY

Q.C. GAVIN 02 Oct 1931 13 May 1972

Julia M. JONES 11 Sep 1943 19 Sep 1969

Annie JONES Born 18 Nov 1889 Died 25 Jan 1963 “At Rest”

(CS) UNKNOWN Headstone Toppled Over

(FHM) Memphis Jack Nelson THIGPEN 21 Nov 1913 24 Dec 2000 “Age 87”

(CS) Lum G. JAMES 13 Apr 1907 11 Jul 1968

(FHM) UNKNOWN

Row 22 (North to South) (R-L):

(FHM) Azaria Shaonna CARR 03 Jan 2001 12 Feb 2001 “Age 6 Weeks”

Calvin JONES Jr. 18 Nov 1947 14 Jan 1992 SGT US ARMY VIETNAM

(FHM with CS) Mary W. JONES 14 Feb 1928 30 May 1998 “In God’s Care” “We Love You But God Loves You Best”

(CS) Calvin JONES 12 May 1917 24 Jul 1990 TEC 4 US ARMY WORLD WAR II

Jimmy Lee JONES 22 Aug 1943 15 Aug 1989 PVT US ARMY

(FHM) Arie Jones AVAS 03 Mar 1941 12 Jun 1989 “48 Years Old”

Cora J. STEVENS 01 Aug 1904 08 Jun 1989

James S. MILLSAP 05 Feb 1932 26 Apr 1988 PVT US ARMY KOREA

Julia M. JONES 29 Sep 1900 26 Feb 1989 “Precious Lord Take My Hand”

(CS) Chester HOUSE Jr. 04 Jun 1899 30 Aug 1988 “In Loving Memory of Mr. ……”

Row 23 (North to South) (R-L):

(FHM) Mary Ann FERGUSON 20 Dec 1999

(CS with FHM) A. Randolph MILSAP 03 Mar 1934 07 Sep 1990

NEW CEMETERY SECTION

Row 24 (North to South) (R-L):

(FHM) UNKNOWN

Velma A. JONES 1910 1997

(FHM with CS) UNKNOWN

Carrie Lee JONES 28 Jan 1897 19 Nov 1993 “At Rest”

(CS) Clifton DARTY 29 Jun 1923 31 Jan 1992

(FHM) UNKNOWN

Dennis Buddy JONES 01 Jan 1944 07 Feb 2000 “Precious Lord Take My Hand”

Row 25 (North to South) (R-L):

Cormillis MILLSAP Sr. 11 Nov 1926 15 Jan 1992 “Beloved Husband and Father”

“Gone But Not Forgotten” “For God So Loved the World He Gave His Only Begotten Son - John 3:16”

Rose J. MILSAP 15 Oct 1905 14 Feb 1992

Marlon Andre MILSAP 19 Jul 1975 26 Mar 1993 “Beloved Son & Brother”

(FHM) Mr. Jessie JONES 26 Mar 1905 04 Jul 2001

(DM – One large stone, surname on front – HEARD with notation: “Wed 14 Dec 1932”)

Armean Dale 01 Jun 1911

Theodore R. 15 Mar 1905 13 May 1997

(DM – One large stone, surname on front – JONES)

Ruby H. 01 Apr 1910 13 Aug 1994 “Mother” “But the Meek Ones Themselves Will Possess the

Earth and They Will Indeed Find Their Exquisite Delight in the Abundance of Peace - Psalms 37:11”

Perry Sr. 23 Jun 1906 24 Feb 1993 “Father” Illegible Text - Scripture

Row 26 (North to South) (R-L):

(FHM) Darlene GAVIN 20 Jun 1952 20 June 2001 “Age 49”

(FHM) Ludelia GAVIN 02 Jul 1931 30 Nov 1995

UNKNOWN

Pickens JONES 1943 1996

Candis R. JONES 20 Oct 1969 01 May 1995

Row 27 (North to South) (R-L):

(FHM) UNKNOWN

(FHM) Richard TROTTER 22 Aug 1959 11 Nov 2001 “Age 42”

(CS) Aron Tucker JONES 22 Jun 1911 02 May 1996

Lettie B. JONES 20 April 1938 06 Mar 1995

Arcola JONES 24 Jul 1921 Illegible Date

(DBS with CS)

Mary J. JONES 11 Feb 1908 28 May 1996

Sam JONES 10 Apr 1906 20Dec 1991

(FHM) Algie BUCKLEY 04 Mar 1906 02 Jan 1998 “Age 91”

Row 28 (North to South) (R-L):

FHM Ransom JONES Jr. 25 Oct 1952 03 Nov 2000 “Age 48”

(DBS) Olevia MILSAP 02 Jul 1937

Luther MILSAP 13 Jun 1936 21 Nov 1996

Arianne M. HARRELL 17 Jul 1993 09 Aug 1993

(CS) Mattie PARKER 28 Mar 1919 07 Aug 1993 Illegible Inscription

(FHM) UNKNOWN

(CS) Curtis Armon RUSSELL 03 Sep 1993 03 Sep 1993 “Loved By Momma”

Lorenzo KELLER 1924 2001

Row 29 (North to South) (R-L):

(FHM) UNKNOWN Blue “DAD” to Right

(DM – One large stone, surname on front – JONES)

Addie B. 12 Sep 1914 “Mother”

Leroy Pop 08 Feb 1910 10 Jan 1996 “Father”

Curtis MILSAP 16 Mar 1947 29 Aug 1998 “Precious Lord Take My Hand”

(FHM) Naomi MILSAP 27 Jan 1936 30 Oct 1997 “61 Years”

(FHM) UNKNOWN Pink “DAD” to right

Row 30 (North to South) (R-L):

(FHM) Mrs. Corean WINDHAM May 1914 28 Jul 2001 “Age 87”

(FHM) Mr. Charlie MILSAP 16 Nov 1933 25 Aug 1995 “Age 61”

Special Thanks to Mr. Bennie White for the format, concept and layout of this page.

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