Jere Kent Skelton

Sep 19, 1939 — Feb 18, 2026

Meridian

A funeral service for Jere Skelton will be held Monday, February 23, 2026, at 11:30 AM at Robert Barham Family Funeral Home with Bro. Jesse Quinn officiating. The family will receive friends from 10:00 AM to 11:15 AM at the funeral home prior to the service in the chapel. Burial will follow at Coker’s Chapel Cemetery. Robert Barham Family Funeral Home is honored to be entrusted with arrangements.

Mr. Jere K. Skelton, age 86, of Meridian, MS passed away Wednesday, February 18, 2026, at Marion Health and Rehab.

Jere was a veteran of the United States Navy, serving as a SeaBee from 1959 to 1963. He was stationed on Midway Island, Adak and in Kodiak, Alaska. Meridian, the State of Mississippi, and the Navy were represented well by Jere, with his athleticism as a Golden Gloves champion and his ability on the field with various sports both playing and officiating, which he loved deeply. His favorite sport had to be the great game of golf, playing almost daily for years and accomplishing the feat of making a hole in one on multiple occasions.

A family man, Jere loved his children, but after becoming a grandfather he gained the family name of “Gramps” which fit him with perfection. He was a Christian man that loved the Lord and faithfully attended church, teaching Sunday School, serving as a deacon and layman, occasionally filling in for pastors. In addition, he was a Gideon, winning others for Jesus Christ through scripture distribution and obediently participated in prison ministry. He attended church at Coker’s Chapel and was a proud and grateful member of the congregation

Survivors include his wife of 38 years, Faye Skelton; children, Kent Skelton (Fonda), Kim Skelton Smith (Stephen), Stacy Laird Coate (Dennis), and Rush Laird (Andrea); beloved grandchildren, Josh Skelton, Taylor Skelton, Lauren Skelton (Jacob), Kayleigh Henegar (Dillan), Tyler Smith (Haley), Bruce Laird (Holly), Lance Laird (Paula), Kyle Laird (Ashley), Bailey Middleton (Austin), Lindsey Foley (Josh), Caleb Neal (Madeline), Drew Coate, and Chase Coate; nine precious great-grandchildren with one arriving any day; siblings, Danny Skelton (Diane), Nola Blackwell, Joy McClure and sister-in-law, Kathy Skelton; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family and friends.

He was preceded in death by parents, John and Louise Skelton; son, Brett Laird; and brother, Jack Skelton.

Pallbearers will be his grandsons.

The family asks that memorial donations be made to Gideon’s International or Cokers Chapel Church.

The Skelton family would like to thank the staff at Gentiva Hospice and Marion Health and Rehab for their professionalism and genuine care given to Gramps.

Online condolences may be expressed at robertbarhamffh.com.

To send flowers in memory

 

FLORA ALICE "MAXINE' REEDER STRICKLAND OBITUARY

Our sweet Flora Alice “Maxine” Reeder Strickland, lovingly known as Nany, passed peacefully on January 29, 2026, at the age of 85. She was born October 25, 1940, in Meridian, Mississippi. After attending Meridian High School in Meridian, she went on to enjoy raising her children as one of her favorite things.

In 1980, Maxine and her husband Bill, began what is now a third-generation legacy. Maxine played an integral part in bringing Sunbelt Fasteners, now known as Sunbelt Supply LLC. to the forefront of the supply industry that has served them well over the years.

Nany and her husband, Bill Strickland, moved to LaGrange in 1999. They enjoyed fishing in their lakes. She loved all animals and rescued anything from donkeys to raccoons, dogs to a family of squirrels who still reside in her backyard trees. Her favorite pet was a rooster who loved her. She would take rides around the property in the Kubota and sitting next to her was that rooster who thought he was her protector.

Maxine was an excellent cook and always had food cooking in case anyone dropped by. Her peach cobbler and her cornbread were the best in the land. She named her property the “Garden of Eatin’’. Nany always had a story to tell. Many of her stories were repeated more than once and were enjoyed each time they were heard.

She was an attentive mother who cherished moments spent playing with her children. Her love for her family shone brightly, and she took great pride in her children and grandchildren, which were among her proudest accomplishments. Maxine is survived by her loving children, Marc (Deb) Strickland of Ledbetter, Debbie (Lester) Harlow of Altair, Scarlet (Julius) Castillo of La Grange, Dennis Faulkner of La Grange, Rita Faulkner of Georgetown, Stephanie Baker of Millbury, Massachusetts, Peter (Linda) Strickland of Franklin, Tennessee, and Shane (Karen) Strickland of Round Rock.

She also leaves behind her sister, Cathy Philbin of Houston, twelve cherished grandchildren, several great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews who will forever hold her memory in their hearts. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 54 years, Bill Strickland, her parents, Arnold Lee Reeder and Flora Ethel (Ivey) Reeder, brothers Arnold Ozell Reeder and Jerry Arnold Reeder, and sister Gayle (Reeder) Hayes.

Maxine Strickland's life was a beautiful blend of family, friendship, and culinary artistry, impacting the lives of many with her warmth and creativity. She will be deeply missed but fondly remembered by all whose lives she touched.

A private memorial service for Maxine Strickland will be held at a later date.

The family requests that memorial donations be made to Gardenia Janssen Animal Shelter in La Grange, Texas.