The Vicksburg Post prints obituaries in news form for area residents, their family members and for former residents at no charge. Families wishing to publish additional information or to use specific wording have the option of a paid obituary.

Molly Mae Haynes Brown

Molly Mae Haynes Brown died today, May 28, 2008, at her home. She was 63.

Born in Texas, Mrs. Brown was of the Catholic faith. She was a house parent at the Methodist Children’s Home in Jackson.

She was a 1964 graduate of Lincoln High School in Texas and received an associate degree from Hinds Junior College in Raymond.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Elijah Wesley Brown; two sisters, Johnnie Mae Craft-Weaver and Celestine Kinney; her mother, Tellen Kizzie; and her father.

She is survived by one daughter, Robyne D. Brown of Vicksburg; two brothers, the Rev. Norman Haynes of Texas City, Texas, and George Ray Kinney of Pittsburgh, Pa.; one sister, Oversia Faye Gilbert of Texas City; and other relatives, including Mary Catherine Brown of Clinton.

W.H. Jefferson Funeral Home has charge of arrangements.

Sharonda LeShay Brown

Sharonda LeShay BrownSharonda “Na-Na” LeShay Brown died Sunday, May 25, 2008. She was 15.

Miss Brown was born in Vicksburg. She was a student at Warren Central Junior High School.

She was preceded in death by her grandfather, Walter Watson Sr.

Survivors include her parents, Walter Watson Jr. and Sandra Brown, both of Vicksburg; five sisters, Kimberly Brown, Aleisha Brown, Yolanda Lumpkin, Shatierra Harper and Tierra Harper, all of Vicksburg; her grandmothers, Betty Ballard and Mary Watson, both of Vicksburg; and uncles, aunts and cousins.

W.H. Jefferson Funeral Home has charge of arrangements.

Kirby Elton Fortenberry

ST. JOSEPH – Kirby Elton Fortenberry died Monday, May 26, 2008 at St. Dominic Memorial Hospital in Jackson. He was 52.

Mr. Fortenberry was born in Delhi, La., and had lived in St. Joseph for 13 years. He was a retired aerial applicator for 28 years and was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church in St. Joseph.

He was preceded in death by his father, Elton Fortenberry; and a brother, Albert Fortenberry.

Survivors include his wife, Ann Helene Fortenberry of St. Joseph; a son, Joseph S. Brown of Baton Rouge; his mother, Pauline Collins of Tallulah; three brothers, Dalton Fortenberry, Buford Fortenberry and Paul Fortenberry, all of Tallulah; and nieces and nephews.

A rosary was said Tuesday in St. Joseph.

Services were at 11 a.m. today at St. Edward Catholic Church in Tallulah with the Rev. Ferre D’Cruz officiating. Burial followed at Legion Cemetery in Newellton under the direction of Crothers-Glenwood Funeral Home of Tallulah.

Pallbearers were Steve Gustafson, Dick Brown, David Fortenberry, Carl Hill, Pat Patrick and Freddy Gaumnitz.

Jean Van Slyke

Jean Van SlykeBeloved and devoted mother, sister, aunt and friend Jean Van Slyke went to be with God May 26, 2008. After more than 50 years of marriage, she was widowed by World War II veteran Gerald Van Slyke, also of St. Paul, Minn., and Largo, Fla.

Jean was also preceded in heaven by her mother, Florence Gaylord; father, Clifford Danforth; and sister, Eleanor Burt.

Formerly an Eastern Star, Jean was a member of Avon President’s Club for her successful sales and also served as a security receptionist at the First National Bank in St. Paul. A native of St. Paul, Jean also lived in Afton, Minn., and Largo until moving to Vicksburg.

Jean will be dearly missed by daughter, Jeanne Evans (Al) of Vicksburg and daughter, Julia Van Slyke (Jerry Fox) of Dunedin, Fla. She is also survived by sisters, Louis Dagustino and Florence Shaeffer; brothers Herbert and Eugene Gaylord; and many loving nieces, nephews and friends.

Memorial services will be at 10:30 a.m. Friday, May 30, 2008, at Holy Cross Anglican Church, 1021 Crawford St., with the Rev. Mark Bleakley officiating, assisted by the Rev. Mincer Minor. Visitation will be from 10 a.m. Friday until the hour of the service at the church.

Memorials may be made to Holy Cross Anglican Church, 1021 Crawford St., Vicksburg, MS 39180.

Glenwood Funeral Home of Vicksburg has charge of arrangements.