Special to Wesson News A frame of surveillance video shows the Toyota SUV that was involved in the hit-and-run that killed Sam Easterling. Photo courtesy Hazlehurst Police Dept. Authorities with the Hazlehurst Police Department are asking for the public’s help as they continue investigating a deadly hit-and-run crash that claimed the life of a local man earlier this month. According to investigators, 69-year-old Sam Easterling was struck by a vehicle while walking along Caldwell Drive at approximately 11 p.m. on March 8. The driver involved in the crash did not stop and left the scene. Police recently released surveillance video that shows what investigators believe to be a small gray Toyota SUV striking Easterling and continuing down the road without slowing down. Officials say the vehicle likely sustained damage to the front end as a result of the collision. Authorities are urging anyone who may have seen the vehicle or who has information about the crash or the identity of the driver to come forward. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Hazlehurst Police Department at 601-894-1101 or call Crime Stoppers at 601-355-8477 (TIPS). Tips can remain anonymous. Officials say a tip that leads to an arrest and conviction could result in a reward of up to $2,500. The investigation remains ongoing as authorities work to identify the driver involved and bring closure to Easterling’s family.

Send responses to: andybowman839@gmail.com Ten-year-old Billy and his dad were going to eat at Billy’s favorite buffet-style restaurant. It was the boy’s birthday, and Dad had indulgently told him that he could have anything he wanted, as much as he wanted. Big mistake. Billy grabbed a plate and headed straight for the prime rib, steaks, roasts, and seafood bar. Without even a side glance at all the salads, vegetables, and fruits. As he began piling his plate with meats only, his dad stopped him with a warning. “Son, you don’t want to do that. If you eat all that meat, you’re gonna have a beauty of a stomach ache later. You need to have a few vegetables on there.” Confidently, Billy replied, “Nah, I’m good,” and continued building the second layer of his ‘Ode To The Love Of Meat’  on his plate. When he finally reached the dessert bar, he reached for a second large plate and proceeded to load it with every kind of chocolate dessert available. This time Dad spoke firmly, “Absolutely not, Billy! If you ate all that, you would be terribly sick tonight.” Glancing briefly at his dad, Billy’s voice took on an arrogant tone, “You  said I could have whatever I wanted to eat, and that’s exactly what I’m gonna do!” Dad was now faced with difficult choices. Indulge a short-sighted birthday promise he had made that would definitely have consequences, or stick to his guns and enforce what he knew was best for his son. Let Billy indulge to his heart’s content and learn an important lesson in life about self-control, or stop the idiocy beforehand. The life lesson in over-eating won out. Shaking his head, Dad sighed and told Billy, “Okay, but don’t say I didn’t try to warn you, son.” Can you imagine yourself as Billy, and your Creator as the father who loves to indulge you…but only to a point. That point being when you insist on being really stupid.  For example, when you decide to buy a brand-new car with sky-high monthly payments. When you leave your marriage because you’ve become infatuated with a co-worker. Or when you decide to quit your job, ignore your debts, and take a few years to just indulge your love of travel. How does He make the difficult choices between letting you take the fun road, or forcing you to consider your ways and do some growing up? No doubt about it. With God, the fun road isn’t the first consideration. Helping you to learn to take the high road, that’s His focus. And God has perfect focus. He never forces you to do His will, He will let you learn at your own pace and make your own mistakes. But trust me, He will be trying to teach you the life lessons you need. And most of the time, it’s gonna hurt.

Locals are starting an American Legion Baseball Team for 14-17-year-olds. The tryout date is scheduled for May 2 at 10 a.m. at Copiah Academy. The games will be a true high school feel and atmosphere. Players will be exposed to junior and senior collegiate coaches. Interested players must reside in the state, but must still attend all practices and games. Players may be come from homeschools or high schools. American Legion Baseball is a national institution that had a modest beginning in 1925. The baseball program thrived through a world war, several national tragedies, and times of great prosperity and great despair. Community service has always been a core value of The American Legion and its 2 million members. The league still stands behind the traditional values upon which it was founded. American Legion Baseball has taught hundreds of thousands of young Americans the importance of sportsmanship, good health and active citizenship.  “American Legion Baseball has held a reputation as one of the most successful and tradition-rich amateur athletic leagues. Countless ALB alumni have gone on to play college and professional baseball, with 82 inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame,” said Bobby Thornton, American Legion Drane-Prine Post 79 Commander. “The men and women of the American Legion Post 79 are strong supporters of children and youth in our community.” American Legion Basebll is a promoter of equality, making teammates out of young athletes regardless of their income levels or social standings. American Legion Baseball has been, and continues to be, a steppingstone to manhood for millions of young men who have gone on to serve their country or community, raise families, or play the sport at the highest level. Breazeale Hood Coaching the team will be Ricky Breazeale of Wesson, owner of Grace Foam Solutions, and Brandon Hood of Crystal Springs, owner of Brando's and newly acquired Wynndale Steakhouse. Johnson The team will receive regular input from Copiah County native and Mississippi State College World Series winning pitcher, Preston Johnson, a former Baltimore Orioles pitcher. "After the age of 14, travel baseball opportunities are scarce in our state. This gives our kids the ability to get high-quality reps over the summer while focusing on development and exposure to college opportunities" said Breazeale who played ball at William Carey, Jones College and Belhaven College. The newly formed team will represent American Legion Post 79 Drane Prine in Wesson. American Legion Baseball is widely recognized as one of the most successful and tradition-rich amateur athletic leagues. Today, the program registers teams in all 50 states plus Canada. “Over the years, summer baseball programs have been moved to only the younger children and not the high school and junior high school students. American Legion Baseball will meet that need and provide teenage boys the opportunity to play and compete at the next level, said Thornton. “The Veterans of Post 79 in Wesson are proud to be involved and help sponsor the Legion Baseball Team.” Players will adhere to the American Legion Code of Sportsmanship. “I will: Keep The Rules;  Keep Faith With My Teammates; Keep My Temper; Keep Myself Fit; Keep A Stout Heart In Defeat; Keep My Pride Under In Victory; Keep A Sound Soul; A Clean Mind And A Healthy Body" This site is dedicated to providing information about the program to the managers, coaches, and players.” Most games will be in June on Fridays and Saturdays. If you are interested, please email goatministry@gmail.com.

By Jessica Breazeale On average, around 236,000 people die every year from drowning globally, according to the CDC. People are literally drowning in ponds, lakes, oceans, and swimming pools, and it’s the 3 rd  leading cause of unintentional death worldwide. That averages out to about 650 deaths per day worldwide. In the United States, it’s about 12 per day. Over 90% of drowning deaths occur in low- and middle-income countries, with children under the age of five at highest risk. What can we do for drowning prevention? As a seasoned swimmer and swim teacher, I find regular swimming lessons the best method for water confidence. The more time you spend in the water and the more lessons you receive, the safer you’ll feel. It’s also important that parents do not take their eyes off their children…not even for a moment. The worst nightmare can happen when preoccupied by a phone, a conversation, a trip to the car, alcohol or substance use, and many other distractions.  But in a metaphorical sense, people drown in other  ways. For example, in the U.S., about 574,314 people filed for bankruptcy last year, an 11% increase from the previous year, according to the United States Courts website.   Bankruptcy filings are still on the rise due to consumer debt like high interest rates, medical expenses, inflation, lower wages, etc. People are drowning in debt.   Over 70% of individuals in Mississippi needing treatment for substance abuse do not receive it. Mississippi  has experienced a dramatic surge in drug-related fatalities, with overdose deaths increasing by 127% from 2012 to 2023, reaching 702 deaths annually. The state faces a severe opioid crisis driven primarily by fentanyl. People are drowning in drug addiction. According to the American Addiction Centers (from a 2023 U.S. National Survey), 16.7% or 48.5 million Americans (aged 12 and older) met the criteria for substance use disorder (SUD) within the past 12 months. 1 in 6 people with SUD struggle with both alcohol and drug addiction, and over 21 million adults are navigating co-occurring  mental health  and substance challenges. Additionally, about 1.65 million inpatient mental health hospitalizations occurred in the U.S. in a recent year, according to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). Worldwide, about 8.4 million people are admitted to mental health facilities each year, which is about 23,000 admissions per day globally, based on estimates from the World Health Organization. People are drowning in depression and other mental illnesses. People are drowning in water , debt , drugs , mental health , and a slew of other things we didn’t mention like anger, grief, hatred, etc. But I know something that will not drown you—and that  something is the living  water . As it says in John 4:14 (Amplified Bible): “But whoever drinks the water that I will give him will never be thirsty again. But the water that I will give him will become in him a spring of water, gushing up to eternal life.” The living water won’t drown you. It’s a reassurance so old that it’s an Old Testament promise from Isaiah 43:2. This promise of God's presence and protection during life's trials says, "When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you.” Isaiah’s statement was probably rooted in the Exodus event of the Israelites crossing through the parted Red Sea, but the promise still rings true for us today…if we let it. God didn’t REMOVE the Red Sea. He PARTED it. You’ll have trials. That’s what it means to be alive and human. But if you allow the living water to show you a path through, there will be one waiting for you. Don’t sink . SWIM !    Downloadable version

Special to Wesson News Copiah-Lincoln Community College has been awarded a major FEMA Hazard Mitigation Grant to construct a new, large-scale safe room facility. The $16,294,746 grant will be used for Phase II of construction on a nearly 35,000-square-foot standalone, multipurpose safe room on the Wesson Campus of Co-Lin. An additional $175,000 administrative grant was awarded for the project, bringing the total FEMA investment in the project to just over $18 million, which includes a nearly $1.6 million planning and design grant awarded in 2024. "We've been through enough severe storms in Mississippi to understand the value of safe rooms. I'm pleased with these FEMA hazard mitigation grants to create more safe spaces in our state," said U.S. Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith, who serves on the Senate Homeland Security Appropriations Subcommittee that has jurisdiction over FEMA. Co-Lin's new multi-use facility will accommodate more than 2,000 occupants. In addition to serving as a safe room for the community, the facility will include a gymnasium to house the college's basketball and volleyball programs. "The safety of our students, employees, and community is always a top priority for Co-Lin," said Co-Lin President Dr. Dewayne Middleton. "This project will provide a secure shelter during severe weather while also creating a first-class facility for our student-athletes and campus community. We are especially grateful to U.S. Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith for her continued leadership and strong support of Co-Lin, the community college system, and the people of Mississippi. Her commitment to strengthening our institutions and investing in projects like this makes a meaningful difference for our students and communities. We also extend our sincere appreciation to FEMA and our federal delegation for supporting a project that will serve our college and the surrounding community for generations. In addition, we greatly appreciate the Mississippi Emergency Management Agency for its assistance and support in helping make this important project a reality."

Special to Wesson News A new sweet spot has officially opened its doors in downtown Wesson. Destiny’s Delights  celebrated its grand opening and ribbon cutting today with a festive event that drew community leaders, local business owners, friends, family, and customers to mark the special occasion. The celebration took place at the bakery’s new location in the recently built shopping center—the white buildings at the four-way stop in downtown Wesson, located at 2037 Highway 51 . Guests enjoyed prize giveaways, free samples, and a welcoming atmosphere as the community gathered to support the new business. One of the most touching moments of the event was a balloon release held in honor of the celebration and in memory of two women who inspired the business. The tribute recognized Kita’s mother, who first taught her how to bake, as well as the late Destiny, Kita’s sister-in-law, for whom the bakery is lovingly named. The moment served as both a celebration of the new venture and a heartfelt remembrance of the family legacy behind it. The ribbon cutting ceremony was attended by Wesson Mayor Alton Shaw , members of Town Hall staff, representatives from the Wesson Chamber of Commerce, and Founder’s Day Queen Kate Norwood . Also present were Alderman Mike King , representatives from the Copiah Monitor , fellow Wesson business owners, and many supporters from the community. With the official opening now complete, Destiny’s Delights is ready to welcome customers looking for homemade baked goods and sweet treats in the heart of Wesson. For store hours, updates, and more information, visit the Destiny’s Delights  Facebook page.

Horace E. "Sonny" Smith May 15, 1946 - October 1, 2025 79 years of age Horace “Sonny” E. Smith, Jr., passed away on October 1, 2025, at Brookdale Assisted Living in Columbia, Tennessee. He was born on May 15, 1946, in Hazlehurst, Mississippi, to the late Horace E. Smith, Sr. and Mildred McCardle Turnbo. Sonny graduated from Copiah Lincoln High School where he played Basketball, Football and was on the Track Team. He was voted Mr. Copiah Lincoln High School his senior year and was class officer his Sophomore and Junior years. He attended Co-Lin Junior College where he played basketball. Then he attended University of Mississippi. Sonny was known for his incredible work ethic. He began working in the pipeline industry at the young age of 18. He became an Industrial Radiographer and remained dedicated to that line of work for most of his life. For a time, he also owned and operated a woodyard so he could stay closer to his wife and children, a testament to the deep love he had for his family. For many years he owned or worked for a Limosine Service, which lead to some pretty interesting stories traveling across Tennessee. He always wanted to provide for others. Outside of work, Sonny found joy on the water. He loved fishing and boating, and when his children were young, the family spent nearly every weekend out on their skiboat, creating cherished memories together. During the evenings, he could often be found engrossed in Westerns or World War II documentaries. Weekends he enjoyed watching football especially if Ole Miss was playing. If he was outside you were likely to see him wearing his baseball cap and Rayban's. In his later years he enjoyed tomato sandwiches and biscuits with sausage gravy. He is survived by his wife of almost 52 years, Karen Jo Smith; his children, Samantha (Lee) Brooks of Fayetteville Arkansas, Lance (Monica) Smith of Midlothian Texas, Brett (Kerry) Smith of Norcross Georgia, Brandi (Tyler) Hirsch of Brentwood TN, and Benjamin Jay (Mackenzie) Smith of Spring Hill TN; grandchildren, Lauren (Craig) Lawrence, Zane Brooks, US Airman Mason Smith, Gaven Smith, Tristan Hirsch, Hailey Hirsch, Quade Smith, Hannah (Kevin) Valencia, and Nick Smith; great-grandchildren, Roan Lawrence, Giovanni Valencia, and Alessio Valencia; siblings, Elaine Hollier, Steve (Donna) Smith, William (Wilma) Turnbo, and Lynn Turnbo Holliday; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Horace E. Smith, Sr. and Mildred McCardle Turnbo, and his brother, Jimmy E. Smith all from Wesson MS. A celebration of Sonny’s life will be held on March 21, 2026 1pm-3pm at Zion Hill Baptist Church in Wesson, MS. The Smith family would like to thank Life Care Rehabilitation Center for the care and love given to Sonny in his final weeks and the caring staff at Brookdale Assisted Living who became like family to him.

By Misty Strieff Prine                 “I do not understand the mystery of grace – only that it meets us where we are but does not leave us where it found us.” – Anne Lamott                 Grace is such a small word with such a HUGE meaning that we often tend to overthink and misunderstand. So, what is grace? The definition of grace is the free and unmerited favor of God, as manifested in the salvation of sinners and the bestowal of blessings. Grace is sometimes hard to grasp, and it can so easily be shrouded in mystery if we "think" too much into it. What we do know is that grace meets us in the depths of despair and changes us completely. Grace never leaves us where it finds us. It lifts us up and pulls us out of that place where we once thought we couldn't and wouldn't make it out of. God's grace is such a beautiful thing. Where were you when grace and mercy found you? How deep was the valley you were walking through? Do you remember that moment when you felt the hand of God reach down and pull you out of the darkness and loneliness of that valley? That my friend is your moment of grace among many others to come. God's grace has no boundaries or limitations. Grace changes people. As the familiar lyrics say, "Amazing grace how sweet the sound that saved a wretch like me. I once was lost but now I'm found, was blind but now I see." Grace opens our eyes in ways that nothing else can. God's grace is immeasurable and unfailing. God's grace and mercy find us when we are buried deep in the world and lost as could be.

By Bob Arnold               Ask Copiah County Economic Development District (CCEDD) Executive Director Arthur Lee (Pokey) Evans about his work in the past year and what he foresees in the coming year, and he points to one simple measure of his work:  jobs .               “For me, economic development is not about recruiting a big or small business or a particular type of business, but the job opportunities in Copiah County,” Evans says.  “My mission is jobs.  On that basis, I would say we’re okay.  Our unemployment rate has hovered around three to four percent.  For a workforce that is ready and willing to do the jobs employers want them to do, the opportunities are available.  Things are good now, and we’re looking for tomorrow to be better because of many small things and maybe a big thing happening.”               There was no one big economic development win during 2025 in Copiah County, but a number of small successes that assured the job opportunities, he says.               Perhaps the biggest of the small things that happened:  “We maintained our existing jobs,” Evans says.  “Our major industries – forestry and timber, trucking, warehousing and poultry – continued to perform well and provide the jobs that made that happen.”               Then there were several other small strides that will grow jobs throughout the county:   In spite of a few issues in Hazlehurst that delayed its opening for business, Bell Lumber & Pole , which will use the area’s abundant wood supply to produce utility poles to electrical lines and other industry uses, started construction of a new facility near the LC Industries old lumber yard. Copiah County Medical Center CCMC opened Copiah County Medical Plaza , a state-of-the-art facility next to the medical center at Hazlehurst that houses CCMC’s medical records department, an expanded specialty clinic; physical, occupational and speech therapy services, and new locations for City Drugs, Total Pain Care and Hazlehurst Clinic. A modern convenience store on Highway 27 North at Crystal Springs. Steam Punk , a customized metal fabricator near Interstate 55 at Martinsville. A mini shopping plaza on Highway 51 South at Wesson.   During 2026, Evans is looking forward to demonstrating to companies near and far that Copiah County is “Open for Business” through “marketing efforts that are being taken to the next level” by Wesson-based marketing consultant Jessica Breazeale who has redesigned the CCEDD website and created ads for web-based social media, including Google and Facebook.  The county’s economic selling points coupled with how they are being communicated, he believes, mean good things are in store during the coming year:             A workforce that is willing and ready to serve employers thanks to local school and a community college that focuses on preparing workers; and career coaches and retired persons with workforce experience, who counsel students, introduce them to the business world through field trips and other activities and guide them in making career decisions and identifying training opportunities.   A location near key markets with rail, interstate, air and nearby water access.   Government officials who understand business needs, provide incentives, and facilitate locating offices buildings.   Available land and buildings that are well-priced.   Already at the start of the year, two companies in the CCEDD industrial park at Gallman are expanding and creating new jobs, Evans says.   Evans says CCEDD economic development work is a team effort and praises his office colleague Brenda Harper, the organization’s board and the Copiah County Supervisors for their support and assistance in telling the county’s story Contact Evans for information at 601-421-1249.

By Bob Garver "Scream” is easily my favorite horror franchise. It might be my favorite movie franchise overall, but especially in terms of horror. That’s why it really hurts me to say that “Scream 7” isn’t up to snuff. It’s not hard to see why this installment falls short, given its troubled production history. The latter half of 2023 saw the departures of both co-directors and both lead actresses from both of the last two installments that had reinvigorated the franchise for the 2020’s. Rather than cancel the project outright, the studio forged ahead with a retooled movie with original star Neve Campbell and original screenwriter Kevin Williamson as director. In theory, this could work, especially with the always-welcome Campbell as the lead, but this film never quite shakes off the passionless stench of someone having to deliver a film to meet an obligation despite the absence of first-choice talent. The film, as expected, opens with a violent pre-title sequence. A young couple (Jimmy Tatro and Michelle Randolph) check into the old house of original co-killer Stu Macher (Matthew Lillard), now a rental property for fans of murder scenes. Spooky surprises are hidden throughout the house, including a robot wearing the iconic Ghostface costume. Eventually a non-robot Ghostface shows up, ready for some slashing. It’s not a lock that the couple will be killed like so many pre-title sequence characters before them, but… I didn’t see them bucking the trend. We soon rejoin Sidney Prescott (Campbell) trying to live a life out of media spotlight, despite having found herself as a player in five killing sprees in her lifetime. She’s married to the local chief of police (Joel McHale) and has three children, two of whom are away visiting their grandparents. Her teenage daughter Tatum (Isabel May) wants to know some of the juicy details of her past, which she refuses to divulge, but otherwise clashes with her, disobeys her, and wants nothing to do with her, in typical teenage fashion. One day, Sidney gets a call from someone using the familiar Roger L. Jackson filter. It’s the new killer. But instead of terrorizing Sidney in the Ghostface garb, this killer directs Sidney to a screen, where she’s taunted by none other than Stu Macher (played by Lillard at his current age), who died in the first movie… or so she thinks. Did he somehow survive? Is this an A.I. prank? Either way, “Stu” makes it clear that Sidney and her family are targets for revenge. Potential suspects/victims line up. Sidney works at a coffee shop frequented by her neighbor Jessica (Anna Camp) and her slasher-obsessed son Luke (Asa Germann), as well as creepy wildcard Karl (Kraig Dane). Tatum’s circle of friends includes boyfriend Ben (Sam Rechner), and besties Hannah (Mckenna Grace) and Chloe (Celeste O’Connor). Shady characters on the periphery include rude drama teacher Mr. Willis (Tim Simons), mental hospital orderly Marco (Ethan Embry), and fame-hungry reporter Robbie Rivers (Mark Consuelos). Those are the new faces. But because the movie has to use nostalgia as a crutch, it’s not long before longtime ally Gale Weathers (Courtney Cox) shows up, flanked by returning characters Chad (Mason Gooding) and Mindy (Jasmin Savoy-Brown), from the fifth and sixth movies, now working as the reporter’s assistants. And as forced as those returns feel, they’re no match for Stu and a gaggle of last-act cameos that serve no purpose other than for the advertising to be able to say that the actors technically appear in the movie. I found some things to like about “Scream 7.” Campbell hasn’t lost an ounce of Scream Queen credibility, there are some creative kills, and the fight choreographer certainly earned their paycheck. But any scene without Campbell that involves mystery, suspense, emotion, or even the series’ trademark humor is a miss. Save for one, I’m not interested in following any surviving characters to another movie. This movie probably shouldn’t have been made without certain people onboard, and I’ll say that there shouldn’t be another “Scream” movie until they can come back. Grade: C “Scream 7” is rated R for strong bloody violence, gore, and language. Its running time is 114 minutes. Contact Bob Garver at  rrg251@nyu.edu .

Send responses to: andybowman839@gmail.com Parenting kids…tough stuff. And just think of doing that same job from God’s point of view. He’s responsible for the same…guiding you and me to become good adults. Not a job that you would hear me volunteering to do in a trillion lightyears. Just imagine. God: “Jimbo, go to work everyday and do your job well, then go straight home to be with your family when you’re done. So you can be the husband and father they need.” Jimbo: “Huh, not happening, God. I enjoy goin’ out drinkin’ with the guys too much. I need some time to unwind.” And now God has to work at teaching and training Jimbo to see life the way God wants him to see it. And believe me, He will not accept Jimbo’s excuses and reasons for living life any old way that he wants. Why? Because God simply never gives up on us. Me in God’s shoes? I’d tell Jimbo to get it right. One time. Oh, I guess I might give him another opportunity to change his ways. Maybe a warning shot across the bow. But if Jimbo still made no attempt to learn to be a good family man, then my next shot wouldn’t be a warning. It would likely be dead center in the middle of his pleasure-seeking little boat and would turn his world upside down, with water rapidly filling and turning it into a watery grave. But not God. The Bible says He is a patient Father. He tells us what He wants for us. Then He tries again. And again. Until finally, He sighs and does what He has to do to get our attention. And it’s up to us to determine just how far He has to go. Heaven help those who rebelliously thumb their noses at Him, and keep going their merry way. Because God is known for using circumstances to get our attention. Things can go from good – to not so good – to bad – to “Somebody please help me, I’m drowning in my problems.” I repeat, because God simply never gives up on us. But back to parenting our kids. In a microcosm, we’re supposed to be handling our job just like God is with you and me. Loving, giving, teaching, training, disciplining, and even punishing to the necessary extent when nothing else seems to work. But never - and I mean never giving up. We parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles can’t afford the luxury of simply walking away from a hellion stuck in rebellion. That adult-to-be should be seen as too valuable to just hand his life over to a world intent on destroying everyone in its path. We need to employ everything at our disposal in trying to make a difference in our kids and their future. Prayers… pleading… discussion…counseling… explanations…lockdowns… ball bats…you name it, we need to try it. My point is simple. Be like Almighty God. Never give up. Try everything. Throw it all against the wall and see if anything will stick. Our kids are worth it.

Donald Hilburn "Tripp" Jones, III February 7, 2008 - February 28, 2026 18 years of age A graveside service will be held for Donald Hilburn “Tripp” Jones, III at 12 p.m., Thursday, March 5, 2026, in Riverwood Memorial Park. Visitation will take place starting at 10 a.m. until time of graveside service at Riverwood Family. Donald Hilburn “Tripp” Jones, III, 18, of Brookhaven, MS, passed away February 27, 2026. He was born in Jackson, MS, on February 7, 2008, to Donald Hilburn Jones, Jr. and Carrie Danielle Johnston. Tripp wasn’t a man for the spotlight or a big show. He preferred a small circle of close friends, real conversations, and time spent outdoors where he felt most at home. The woods at daylight, a duck blind before sunrise, chasing deer in the fall, or listening for that first turkey gobble in the spring – that was his kind of peace. He loved deer, turkey, and duck hunting. He respected the land and the quiet that came with it. Some of his best moments were found in those early mornings when the world was still and simple. He took pride in his truck – if you knew Tripp, you knew that truck. It wasn’t just something he drove; it was part of him. The same went for his four-wheeler, always ready to head down a trail to the river, or across a field; and whenever he went, Remi wasn’t far behind. His dog was his new loyal sidekick, a steady presence that matched Tripp’s own loyalty to the people he loved. Tripp was a hard-working man with a strong work ethic. He was proud to be beginning his career as a lineman – stepping into a trade that demands grit, discipline, and courage. He embraced the challenge with focus and determination, ready to build a future through honest work and long days. He believed in earning what he had and standing tall in the responsibilities placed before him. He also loved music, all genres. Whether it was playing in his truck, around friends, while in the shower, or in the background after a long day, music was another place he found connection and meaning. He recently found great joy attending Big Springs Baptist Church with his family. He especially enjoyed the Sunday singing with the men’s ensemble on stage for special music.  He was deeply loved by his family, especially by his mother, who cared for him with unwavering devotion. She made sure he was always okay, always supported, always reminded how much he was loved. Their bond was one of strength, protection, and unconditional care. Though Tripp kept his circle small, the mark he left on those who truly knew him runs deep. He will be remembered for his beautiful smile, quiet strength, his determination, his love of the outdoors, his loyalty, and the steady way he lived his life. He will be missed beyond measure. Preceding him in death are his brother, Joshua Tanner Stewart and grandfather, Rev. Ricky Johnston. Those left to cherish his memory are his parents, Joe and Carrie Wilson and Don and Leslie Jones; brothers, Conner Wilson and Brayden Wilson; sister, Sara Carver (Blake); and grandparents, Clois and Junko Wilson, Joe & JoNell Fairchild, and Don and Carolyn Jones. He is also survived by an abundance of aunts, uncles, cousins, and close friends who will forever cherish his memory. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Fallen Linemen Foundation: P.O. Box 634 Cary, NC 27512 or www.fallenlinemenfoundation.com or to Big Springs Baptist Church: 849 Big Springs Dr. NE Brookhaven, MS 39601