T J Jemerson died Tuesday, Nov. 15, 2016, at Heritage House. He was 89.

Born in Hinds County, he was the son of the late Robert R. Jemerson and Elizabeth Graham Jemerson.

T J was a former resident of Karnack, Texas, and had been a resident of Vicksburg since 1939. He attended of Carr Central High School and served in the Navy in the China Service and Korean Service.

T J began his career at A. J. Martin Marble and Granite Works in February of 1947. He was employed for 40 years prior to assuming ownership of the business.  T J retired in 1998 with 51 years of service.

Charles Riles, a longtime friend, said Jemerson was a “humble genius” and the ultimate authority on tombstones and stone cutting in this area for a number of years.  He was a member of Trinity Baptist Church.

He is survived by two daughters, Toni Koestler (Danny Koestler) of Vicksburg and Brenda Jones (Dr. Bill Jones) of Greenwood; four grandchildren, Warren Jones (Carley), Bret Jones (Ashley), Christopher Jones (Katie) and Raegan Jones.

T J is also survived by four great-grandchildren, Grayson Jones, Kaylee Jones, Reece Jones and Brooklyn Jones; and a sister-in-law, Joyce Wright and her family.

In addition to his parents he was predeceased by his wife, Mary Louise Sheller Jemerson; and a brother, Robert Jemerson.

The family would like to express their gratitude to the staff of Heritage House for their kindness to T J during his illness.

Services will be 11 a.m. Friday, Nov. 18, 2016, at Riles Funeral Home with the Rev. Ron Burch and the Rev. Charlie Harris officiating. A family interment service will follow at Cedar Hill Cemetery.  Visitation will be from 9 a.m. Friday until the service.

Pallbearers will be Warren Jones, Bret Jones, Chris Jones, Jimmy Giles, Bert Turcotte and Barry Renfrow.  Honorary pallbearers will be members of the Bovina Breakfast Club.

Memorials may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project, Post Office Box 758516, Topeka, KS 66675.