Obituaries 01/02/2025
Lottie Fay Harmon
PARIS – Lottie Fay Harmon, a beloved mother and dedicated member of her community, passed away peacefully on December 22, 2024, at the age of 90. Born on Nov. 11, 1934, in Mississippi, Lottie was the second of four children, and her journey through life was marked by love, resilience, and a passion for bringing joy to those around her.
After leaving school, Lottie married Marton Harmon, Sr., and together they embarked on a life filled with adventures and shared dreams. Lottie began her working life at a young age, spending her teenage years at Big Yank, where her spirit for service began to flourish. In 1981, she and Marton realized their dream of opening Harmon’s Restaurant, a cherished local establishment known for its warmth and hospitality, particularly during the festive Christmas season when Lottie delighted in giving toys to children who visited.
In addition to her entrepreneurial spirit, Lottie found joy in collecting dolls and angels and was an avid reader of her Bible, which reflected her deep faith and commitment to her beliefs. A longstanding member of Paris Baptist Church, she touched the lives of many through her unwavering support and kindness.
Lottie leaves behind to honor her memory, her son, Marty Harmon (Debbie) of Paris; a brother, Sonny Byars; nine grandchildren; 20 great-grandchildren; 11 great-great-grandchildren; and a special fried, Eroy Free.
Visitation was held at Paris Baptist Church on Friday, Dec. 27. A funeral service celebrating Lottie’s extraordinary life followed at the church at noon on the same day.
Lottie is preceded in death by her husband, Marton Harmon Sr; her parents, Harvey and Gertrude (Johnson) Byars; two siblings, J.W. Byars, and Nancy Thompson; four children, Maxine Harmon Morris, Regina Harmon Fielder, Cynthia Ann Harmon, and Diana Lynn Harmon.
Sandra Sturdivant
TILLATOBA – Sandra Gayle McLellan Sturdivant, 68, of Tillatoba, passed away Wednesday, December 25, 2024 at the University of Mississippi Medical Center – Grenada. She was born December 13, 1956 in Durant to Tilden Lee and Mary Grace Cain McLellan.
Sandy earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Mississippi College and devoted over 40 years to caring for patients, leaving a lasting impact on their lives. An active and devoted member of Oakland Baptist Church, she uplifted others through her choir singing and service on the Fellowship Committee. Her passion for gardening brought beauty to the world, as she nurtured her vibrant flowers. With a spirit of adventure, she found great joy in riding motorcycles. Lovingly known as “Geeka,” Sandy treasured every moment spent with her grandchildren, creating cherished memories for many years to come.
Funeral services were held Sunday, Dec. 29, at Oakland Baptist Church with Rev. Jimmy Hood officiating. A private interment followed in the Sturdivant Family Cemetery. Bradlee Cain, Luke Eaton, Cory Goodin, Justin McLellan, Robert Sturdivant and Seth Sturdivant served as pallbearers. McKibben and Guinn Funeral Service in Grenada was in charge of arrangements.
Survivors include her husband, Harvey Sturdivant; sons, Daniel Bozone (Megan) of Hattiesburg, Joseph Bozone (Teresa) of Brandon, Jared Sturdivant (Melissa) and Seth Sturdivant (Kristen Kihnl), both of Tillatoba; sisters, Patricia Allen (Johnny), Reba Robertson (Robby) and Necie Cain (Barry), all of Sallis; a brother, George McLellan (Amy) of Sallis; and seven grandchildren, Danger Bozone, James Lee Sturdivant, Colby Bozone, John Preston Tullos, Samuel Bozone, Ransom Bozone and Simon Bozone.
Sandy is preceded in death by her parents and a beloved aunt, Tennye McLellan.
Phillip Tillman
BURLINGTON, N.C. – Phillip Lynn Tillman stepped into eternity on Saturday, December 15, 2024, at the age of 92. Born in Tillatoba on July 27, 1932, Phillip spent over 71 years serving God and his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
As the sixth of seven children born to Keith Black Tillman and Viva Byrd Harris, Phillip was raised in the small farming community of Tillatoba in the hill country of north Mississippi. As a teenager he felt the call of God to enter the ministry and spent the remainder of his life in service to the Lord. Upon graduating from Oakland High School in 1950, Phillip attended Clarke Memorial College and then graduated from Mississippi College in 1956 with a degree in sociology.
After college Phillip entered the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, Kentucky. In 1957, Phillip’s second year in seminary, he met Carolyn Evedna Killian from Statesville, N.C. They were married on April 8, 1961, and began their married life together as he became pastor of Cobb Memorial Baptist Church in Rockingham, N.C. In 1969 Phillip continued a family tradition of military service. He was commissioned as an Air Force chaplain and served for 10 years while stationed at bases in Indiana, Alaska, Alabama, and West Germany.
Family members who loved him dearly and will miss him greatly until they meet again in God’s Heaven are his daughters: Tamara Rouse (Shannon) and Kelli Kupiec (Joe); sons: Danny Tillman (Jana) and Kevin Tillman (Kellie, fiancée); grandchildren: Megan, Chandler, Jordan, Sarah, Griffin, Matthew, Carson, Hartley, Ryan, and Zachary.
A service celebrating Phillip’s life will be held Saturday, Jan. 18, 2025, at 1 p.m. at Mt. Zion Baptist Church in Alexis with the family receiving friends after the service.