Hugh Anthony (Tony) Brister

Hugh Anthony “Tony” Brister, 70, of Jayess, went to be with the Lord on Nov. 17, 2021, due to cancer. He was born Jan. 12, 1951, in Tylertown to Juda Pat Sandifer Brister and Hugh Nelson Brister.
Tony was a graduate of Topeka-Tilton High School and Copiah-Lincoln Community College. He owned his own construction company, Brister’s Construction, for over 40 years. Tony was a hard worker, taking pride and perfection in his craft. He loved sharing stories of growing up in a big family in a rural community and of playing basketball, baseball, and football at Topeka-Tilton High School, and basketball at Co-Lin under Coach M. K. Turk.
Before having health problems that prevented him from walking, he was an active member of Tilton United Methodist Church, where he served as a trustee. He was so proud to share his building skills in the construction and remodeling of the church sanctuary, new gym, and parsonage.
He loved hunting, fishing, and spending time with his family and friends, especially the gatherings at his mother’s house on holidays.
Tony was preceded in death his parents; sister, Patricia (Sissy) Brister Caul; brother-in-law, Harold Caul; brother-in-law, Mac Mitchell; and grandson, Ty Brister.
Those left to cherish his memory are his loving and devoted wife, Joy Thames Brister, whom he shared 43 years; sister, Karen Mitchell; brothers, Doug Brister (Dawn) and Sandy Brister (Kim), of Jayess; his two sons, Mark Brister (Jamie), of Miami, Fla.; and Jason Brister (Allison), of Brookhaven. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Jasee Brister, Diana Brister Maddox (Reed), Allie Jo Brister (Aundre), Kyle Brister, Billie Tanksley, Zach Brister, Emmie Brister, Christiana Mitchell, Corby Husser, Serenity Mitchell; five great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, family, and friends.
A funeral service was held Nov. 20 at Tilton United Methodist Church in Jayess. Presiding over the service were Rev. Dale Authement and Rev. Chance May. Music was Tony’s favorite gospel video duet and personal request “I’ve Just Seen Jesus,” performed by Larnelle Harris and Sandy Patty, and “Sheltered in the Arms of God” CD performance by Joan Dear, Joy Brister, and Hope Rushing. Graveside service followed at Tilton UMC Cemetery. Wilson Funeral Home handled the arrangements.
Pallbearers were Kyle Brister, Hunter Brister, Will Brister, Jeff Mitchell, Mitch Mitchell, Phillip Thames, Roger Rushing, and Zach Brister.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Tilton UMC Cemetery Fund, 663 Hulan Brister Rd, Jayess, MS 39641.