Area Obituaries

Jim Pace: son, brother, friend, mentor, gentleman, hero. American Racing Driver who won the 24 Hours of Daytona, the 12 Hours of Sebring, and the IMSA GTU Championship died due to complications related to COVID-19 at the age of 59. Many of the lessons Jim Pace learned growing up in the small town of Monticello,…

Aug. 15, 1963 to Oct. 3, 2020 CELEBRATING THE LIFE OF Wade Ferdinand Smith Wade Smith was born in Chicago, Ill., on Aug. 15, 1963, to the late Theresa Smith and Bobbie Henderson. Wade was a Monticello High School Class of 1982 graduate, where he was a standout basketball star. He was fun, loving, easy-going,…

“She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come. She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue. She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness. Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises…

James Leon “Toby” Johnson, 82, of Monticello, passed away on Nov. 10, 2020, at his residence. A funeral service was held Nov. 12 at Bethel Baptist Church in Monticello, with graveside services following in Bethel Baptist Church Cemetery. Bro. Michael Smith, Bro. Archie Herrin, and Bro. Philip Alford officiated, with Wilson Funeral Home handling arrangements.…

Memorial services will be held at a later date for Gavin Wade Gordon, 61, of Monticello, who passed away Nov. 3 at his residence. Wilson Funeral Home in handling arrangements. Mr. Gordon was born on Nov. 21, 1958, in Meridian, to Lester and Myrna Sadler Gordon. He was an avid collector of artifacts, history enthusiast,…

Billye Cothern, 96, of Ruth, passed away on Oct. 27, 2020, at her daughter’s residence in Topeka. Ms. Billye was born Oct. 3, 1924, in Lawrence County, to William and Madge Gunnell Huguley. Ms. Billye was the epitome of grace and class, a friend to all who knew her, a lover of Jesus, and the…

Austin Blake Laird, 15, of Monticello, passed away Nov. 1, 2020, at his residence. Visitation will be held on Thursday, Nov. 5 from 11 a.m. until service time at 2 p.m. at Bethel Baptist Church in Monticello, with graveside services following in Carmel Baptist Church Cemetery. Bro. Michael Smith and Bro. Phillip Alford will officiate,…

Christopher Lee Russell departed this life on Earth for a far more beautiful home in heaven on Oct 31, 2020. Having been born April 23, 1972, his years were limited with us, saying goodbye at 48 years old. Chris was an “old soul” since birth. He loved many things, most of all his family and…