Obituaries for January 30, 2009

Cotton

Rakestraw, 66

Norman “Cotton” Rakestraw, 66, of the Jericho Community, died Tuesday, Jan. 27, 2009, at the North Mississippi Medical Center after a brief illness. He was a former employee of White Milling and a retired employee of Reeder Farm Supply. He was a member of the Jericho Baptist Church.

Services were at 2 p.m., Thursday, Jan. 29, 2009 at the Jericho Baptist Church with Bro. Marvin Robbins officiating. Interment was in the church cemetery. Waters Funeral Home was in charge of the arrangements.

Survivors include two brothers, Harold Rakestraw and Elaine of Saltillo, and Jack Rakestraw and Jan of Jericho; one niece, Pat Woods of Sherman, Texas; three nephews, Michael Rakestraw of Jericho, and Charles and Brad Rakestraw of Alpine; two great-nephews, Jeremy and Cody Woods of Sherman, Texas; a special friend, Doris Terry; extended family, Hoyle Palmer, Pam Rakestraw, Terrie Bagwell, and Brooke and Summer Smith.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Herman and Christine Epting Rakestraw, and a brother, Dud Rakestraw.

Pallbearers were Hoyle Palmer, Miles McDonald, Gerald White, Doug McGill, and Wesley and Patrick Gargus.

Honorary pallbearers were Carl Dunlap, Dr. James Bryson, Dwight Hall, Knowles Charleswood and the Rev. Joe Epting.

The body lay in state at the church one hour prior to service time.

Ruby McAllister, 92

Ruby Whiteside McAllister, 92, of New Albany, died Sunday, Jan. 25, 2009, in Baton Rouge, La. She was born Nov. 3, 1916, to Leonard Whiteside and Ora Hall Whiteside. She was a homemaker and a member of the Worldwide Church of God.

Services were at 11 a.m. Thursday, Jan. 29, 2009, at United Funeral Service Chapel. Interment was in the McAllister Family Cemetery in New Albany.  United Funeral Service was in charge of arrangements.

Survivors include two daughters, Virginia Rice and Margaret Mitchell (Ed); one sister, Zula King; and one brother, Marion Whiteside.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Robert McAllister; her parents; and three brothers.

Visitation was from 9 to 11 a.m. Thursday.

For online condolences and guest registry, visit www.unitedfuneralservice.com.

Bernice Minsters, 86

Bernice Williamson Minsters, 86, of New Albany, died Tuesday, Feb. 27, 2009, at her home.

Arrangements are incomplete and will be announced later by Beasley Funeral Home.

Pearl Riggins, 89

Pearl Riggins, 89, of Nettleton, died Monday, Jan. 26, 2009, at her home.

Arrangements are incomplete and will be announced later by Beasley Funeral Home.