JACKSON — Versie Elizabeth Tabb, 86, died Saturday, Sept. 24, 2011, at Central Mississippi Medical Center.

A funeral service will be held at 2 p.m. Tuesday at Sebrell Funeral Home in Ridgeland, with burial following in Jessamine Cemetery. Visitation will be from 6 to 8 p.m. Monday and at noon Tuesday at the funeral home.

Mrs. Tabb was born on March 22, 1925, in Sumrall, the daughter of the late John and Molly Dickens. A graduate of Sumrall High School, she attended Hinds Community College.

Mrs. Tabb and her late husband, Billy, published The Messenger, the official publication of the Free Will Baptist Church, and traveled gathering stories and photos for the publication all over the Southeastern United States. An accomplished musician, she played the guitar, bass, piano and harmonica. Mrs. Tabb loved to sing and taught The Owen Brothers and other members of her family to sing in harmony. Mrs. Tabb loved the Lord and was a faithful member of Northeast Christian Church. A breast cancer survivor, she had a wonderful sense of humor and a zest for life.

She cherished spending time with her family and friends, and was preceded in death by her husband and two brother and five sisters.

Survivors include sons Jerry Owen of Long Beach, Steve Owen of Vicksburg, Ronnie Owen of Vicksburg and Michael Owen of Ridgeland; daughters Marcia Lumpkin of Jackson, Susan Patterson of Ridgeland and Laura Reed of Jackson; 25 grandchildren, 19 great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild.

Memorials may be made to Northeast Christian Church, 3169 West Tidewater Lane, Madison, MS 39110-8928.