Shirley Fortner, daughter of the late Luther Cochran and Nina Bishop Mayfield was born on June 21, 1941 in Sedalia, Missouri and departed this life on January 25, 2024 at Mercy Hospital Southeast in Cape Girardeau, Missouri at the age of 82.
Mrs. Fortner was a homemaker and a resident of Bernie. She attended Bethany General Baptist Church. She loved working in her yard and playing with her dog, Bentley. She had a great friendship with Kathy Grindstaff, they enjoyed each other’s company, and were lucky to have that special bond for over four decades. Her greatest joy came from her two daughters, she loved spending time with them, and they loved being with her.
She was united in marriage to Clarence Fortner on December 11, 1959 in Sedalia, Missouri. Clarence survives of their home in Bernie.
Other than by her husband Clarence, she is survived by two daughters, Terri Hampton of Bernie, Missouri, and Michelle Quick and husband Jim of Knoxville, Tennessee; by her special friend, Kathy Grindstaff; and her beloved dog, Bentley.
Other than by her parents, she was preceded in death by her brother, Elroy Cochran; and by her two sisters, Nina Mae Wimer and Vera Robeson.
At her request, a private service for her family will be conducted.
Mathis Funeral Home in Bernie, Missouri is assisting the family with arrangements.
Fayn Kell Allen, son of the late C. C. Allen and Buleah Justus Allen, was born on August 27, 1929, in Jesup, Arkansas, and departed this life on January 25, 2024, at Cypress Point Skilled Nursing in Dexter, Missouri, at the age of 94 years.
Mr. Allen is a Veteran of the United States Army, serving in the Korean War. He was a former farmer, a resident of Gray Ridge, Missouri and attended the Olive Branch General Baptist Church, near Essex, Missouri.
He is survived by his brother, Jackie Allen and wife Mary of Gray Ridge, Missouri; and by his sister Greta Allen of Ellington, Missouri.
Graveside services will be conducted at the Missouri State Veterans Cemetery in Bloomfield on Monday, January 29, 2024, at 12:00 p.m.
Mathis Funeral Home in Dexter is assisting with arrangements.
Gilbert Lee Walden, son of the late Leon Pearson, Sr., and Rachel Wiltcher Pearson, was born January 21, 1959 in Baton Rouge, Louisiana and departed this life January 24, 2024 at his home in Dexter, Missouri at the age of 65.
Mr. Walden was formerly of Flowood, Mississippi before moving to Dexter, Missouri in 2016. He was in the insurance business for 43 years before his retirement. He worked as the district manager for Life of Georgia, American General Life, AIG and Kemper Insurance companies. He enjoyed football and listening to country and gospel music. He was also known as the king of cards and loved playing various card games with his family.
On November 27, 1977, in Canton, Mississippi, he was united in marriage to Naomi Brewer. Mrs. Walden survives at their home in Dexter, Missouri.
Other than his wife, he is survived by four sisters, Theresa Steen of Carthage, Mississippi, Donna McPherson of Clarksdale, Mississippi, Kathy Pilgrim of Pearl, Mississippi and Robin Renfroe of Pelahatchie, Mississippi.
Friends may call at Mathis Funeral Home in Dexter, Missouri on Friday, January 26, 2024 from 5:00p.m. until 7:00 p.m. A memorial service will then be held at Center Terrace Baptist Church in Canton, Mississippi on January 30, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. with Pastor Noland Whitehead officiating.
Mathis Funeral Home is assisting with arrangements.
Jerry John Wealand of Puxico, Missouri, son of the late John Wealand was born on February 27, 1935, in Bell City, Missouri, and passed from this life on January 26, 2024, in Puxico, at the age of 88 years.
He was a member of Fairview Community Church of Puxico.
He loved tinkering on old cars and was an avid reader. Jerry graduated from Puxico High School in 1953 and would spend countess hours talking about Puxico Basketball and his love for his team.
Jerry is survived by his close personal friends, Wayne Rockett and Mandy Spain; as well as a host of friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
A Graveside Service will be held on Tuesday, January 30, 2024, at 1:00 p.m. at the Fairview Cemetery near Puxico, with Pastor Charlie Robertson of Bloomfield officiating and Watkins and Sons Funeral Home of Dexter, Missouri, in charge of all arrangements.
Kathryn Jackson, daughter of the late Bob Dyer and Dora Grindstaff Dyer, was born on July 29, 1927, in Vernon, Kentucky, and departed this life on January 22, 2024, at the Hospice House of Southern Kentucky in Bowling Green, Kentucky, at the age of 96.
Mrs. Jackson was a former resident of Dexter, Missouri, and a faithful member of the Dexter Church of Christ.
In 1947, in Thompkinsville, Kentucky, she was united in marriage to Roy Jackson. Mr. Jackson preceded her in death in 1995.
She is survived by her sons, Wendell Jackson (Rita) of Auburn, Kentucky and Jackie D. Jackson of Highland, Illinois; by her sisters, Virginia Sprowel of Tompkinsville, Kentucky and Clara Combs of Lexington, Kentucky; four grandchildren, David Jackson (Leslie) of Bowling Green, Kentucky, Wendi Hope (Kevin) of Bowling Green, Kentucky, Jamie Jackson of Highland, Illinois and Lindsay Jackson of Marine, Illinois; five great grandchildren, Lydia, Layla, Jaxon, Kinley, Jayda and several nieces and nephews and cousins.
Other than by her husband and parents, she was preceded in death by her brother, and by six sisters.
A graveside service will be held at Dexter Cemetery on Sunday, January 28, 2024, at 1:00 p.m.
Mathis Funeral Home in Dexter is assisting with arrangements.
