Obituaries 01/08/2026
Brenda Morris Smith
NEWNAN, GA. – Brenda Morris Smith, 76, of Newnan, Georgia, passed away peacefully on Friday, January 2, 2026, at Wesley Woods.
The funeral was held in the historic sanctuary of First Baptist Church, Newnan, Georgia, at 11 a.m. on Monday, January 5, 2026, with visitation at 10 a.m.
Brenda was born on April 16, 1949, in Water Valley to C.A. “Dude” Morris and Lina Doolin Morris.
She graduated from Water Valley High School in 1967, where her vibrant spirit shone through as a cheerleader, Miss WVHS, and being voted the friendliest student. Brenda had an exceptional ability to connect with others and make everyone feel like a friend, a characteristic that she carried throughout her entire life. Following high school, Brenda attended Northwest Community College.
On May 23, 1969, she married her husband and best friend, James M. “Pete” Smith. Their love story was a beautiful testament to devotion and companionship. Brenda’s love for her family and friends was unwavering. She was always eager to lend a helping hand, whether it was taking someone to a doctor’s appointment or simply being there for a chat. Her generosity truly knew no bounds.
After raising her children, Brenda worked outside of the home for a time, but she found true joy in being a grandmother. Brenda cherished her grandchildren dearly, and her playful spirit led to so many fun moments. She loved playing games, building forts and even climbing the occasional tree with them. She absolutely loved to sing songs and seemed to know them all. No matter what word you mentioned, she always had a song ready to go.
Survivors include her husband, Pete; her daughter, Sherry Smith Shull and husband, Mark, of Denver, North Carolina; her son, Stephen and wife, Anne, of Newnan, Georgia; her grandchildren, Hayden Baggarly, Russell Smith, Henry Smith, Emily Shull Martinez (Dakotah) and Adam Shull; her beloved sisters, Betty (Larry) Hart, Peggy (Kenny) Taylor and Zandra Walker, all of Water Valley, and two brothers Ron (Jaye) Morris of Holly Lake, Texas and Jerry (Tanya) Morris of Water Valley; several nephews and nieces and grandnephews and grandnieces; and numerous lifelong friends.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her in-laws, Janet and Herman “Hoss” Smith, brothers-in-law Ben Smith and Dr. Joe Walker, and sister-in-law, Kay Kay Smith.
There will be an additional service at First Baptist Church in Water Valley on Thursday, January 8, 2026, at 11 a.m. with visitation at 10 a.m..
Due to severe floral allergies, the family requests no flowers. In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial gift to the AO House at First Baptist Church Newnan, The Samaritan’s Clinic in Newnan, or Newnan Coweta Angel’s House.
Condolences may be expressed to the family at www.mckoon .com McKoon Funeral Home & Crematory (770) 253-4580.
William Wyatt “Gus” Whisenant
COFFEEVILLE – William Wyatt “Gus” Whisenant, 79, of Coffeeville, and formerly of Corinth, passed away on Wednesday, December 31, 2025, at his home.
Gus was born June 11, 1946, in Booneville, to Aaron Tuelon Whisenant and Bonnie Lou Johnson Whisenant. He was raised in Booneville, where he graduated from Booneville High School. Gus also graduated from Northeast Mississippi Junior College and earned his bachelor’s degree in business administration from Delta State University. After college, Gus worked with Moore and Gray, becoming a partner in 1979. He worked there for 42 years prior to his retirement. Gus was very active in his community. He was the former president of United Way of Corinth and served on the Alcorn County Board of Directors, past President of Corinth Rotary Club, helped out with Rotary Magnolia Classic Walking Horse Show, helped with Christmas baskets, was a Paul Harris Fellow, was a member of Mississippi Home Builders Association, Mississippi Society of Certified Public Accountants, American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, and Alcorn Central Band Booster.
Gus was preceded in death by his parents, Tuelon and Bonnie Whisenant; two sisters, Jean Stutts and Maxine Sparks; and two nephews who were like brothers, Jerry Sparks and Ricky Sparks.
He is survived by his beloved wife of 56 years, Ruth Whisenant; a son, Brian Whisenant; daughter, Renee Whisenant Westmoreland (Wess); two grandsons, Will Westmoreland and Josh Westmoreland; a nephew that was like a brother, Edwin Sparks (Connie); nieces that were like sisters, Ann Sparks and Regina Sparks; brothers in law and sisters in law; and a host of great nieces and great nephews.
Visitation was held on Sunday, January 4, 2026, from 1 p.m. until 2 p.m. at Burton Funeral Home in Indianola. The funeral service followed at Burton Funeral Home with Rev. Bob Hill officiating. Burial will follow in Roundaway Cemetery in Doddsville. Burton Funeral Home of Indianola has been entrusted with arrangements.