Pastor's Blog

Mr. Berry Van “B.V.” Nowell, 91, of Waynesboro, MS passed peacefully from this life Saturday, August 24, 2024, at his home surrounded by his loving family. He was born in Waynesboro, MS on Saturday, November 5, 1932, to the late Buddie and Lucy Pitts Nowell. Mr. Nowell proudly served in the United States Army. He was a devout member of Corinth Free Will Baptist Church where he served as an ordained deacon for 55 years. He retired as a Drilling Superintendent for Texaco Oil Company. After retirement B.V. went back to work with Block T Petroleum as a Consultant.

B.V. was a courageous man of faith who devoted his time to helping his church, family, friends, and neighbors. His faith and integrity inspired many who knew him to surrender their lives to Christ. Throughout B.V.’s long life, he was known for his incredible work ethic and generosity. His heart was as big as his faith, and he lived each day with a spirit of compassion and humility. He found joy tending to his cows, bailing hay, listening to gospel music, cherishing moment with his family, and enjoying evenings on the porch with the love of his life, his wife, Edna. He was celebrated for his infectious sense of humor, consistently finding ways to bring joy and laughter to those around him. B.V.’s legacy of love, faith, and hard work will live on in the hearts of all who knew him. Though he is no longer with us, his spirit will continue to inspire those who were fortunate enough to be touched by his life. May he rest in peace, secure in the knowledge that he has gone to his eternal reward, leaving behind a world made better by his presence.

Mr. Nowell is preceded in death by his parents, Buddie and Lucy Pitts Nowell; brother, J. W. Nowell; two sisters, Dorothy Hinton and Betty Ruth Sharkey; two Sons-In-Law, David Boaz and Johnny Shoemaker. He is survived by his loving wife of 71 years, Edna Earl Sanderson Nowell; two daughters, Debbie Shoemaker and Regina Hancock (Paul), all of Waynesboro, MS; two granddaughters, LaBreeska Atkinson (Sam) of Sylvester, GA and Laken Hancock of Waynesboro, MS; great grandson, Jakin Atkinson of Sylvester, GA; brother, Rev. Norman Nowell (Azalene) of Waynesboro, MS; two sisters, Vinnie Mae Brewer of Grand Bay, AL and Donna Dunnam (Cecil) of Waynesboro, MS; a host of nieces and nephews.

Visitation for Mr. Nowell will be held from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM, Monday, August 26, 2024, at Corinth Free Will Baptist Church, 2320 Camp Eight Road, Waynesboro, MS 39367. Funeral Services will be held at 2:00 PM Monday, August 26, 2024, at Corinth Free Will Baptist Church in Waynesboro, MS with Rev. Ronald Nowell, Rev. Burl Brewer, and Rev. Larry Reynolds officiating. Interment will be in Corinth Free Will Baptist Cemetery in Wayne County, MS.

Elizabeth Ann Rockwell, age 80, passed peacefully from this life and entered Heaven August 22, 2024 at her home in Grand Bay Al. She was a loving daughter, wife and mother beloved by all who knew her.

She was born on October 8, 1943 in Meridian, MS. Elizabeth was the daughter of Vivian Kathleen and Sim L. Richards and was raised in Gulfport, MS. After graduating from Gulfport High School, She and her mother moved to Moss Point, MS. Elizabeth went on to graduate from Perkinston Junior College and the University of Southern Mississippi with a BS in Home Economics. After graduation, she returned to Moss Point where she married “the boy next door”, Charles Ernest Rockwell, son of Reverend Ernest Rockwell and Ruth Goff Rockwell. Charles and Elizabeth moved to Grand Bay in 1967 and in September of 1971, they became the proud parents of their son, Gregory Ernest Rockwell.

Elizabeth was a caring and much loved educator in the Mobile County School System and a longtime member of Friendship Baptist Church. Even in her failing health, she remained steadfast in her faith and her love of God.

She is survived by her husband, son and daughter-in-law, Katharine Rockwell.

A graveside service for Elizabeth will be held Monday, August 26, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. at Serenity Memorial Gardens, 8951 Old Pascagoula Road, Theodore, Alabama 36582.

Good morning from Rocky Ford, Alabama.  Came up with Titus, Grayson Glenn, and Colby Scofield.  Watched Danville’s football game last night (great nephew, Jace) and will be visiting with Mama this morning.

Good news – Sonny & Jeanette Bates met with the doctor yesterday who has recommended Sonny to a specialist.  He also recommended a pill that has had a good track record thus far.  That meeting will take place next week.  The doctor told Jeanette that Sonny will “live to a ripe old age!”  Praise the Lord!  Thank you for praying!

More good news – Derek Brown messaged me to say that his heel is broken in a different place.  No surgery required and he can return to work, as planned, on 9/4/24.  He will have physical therapy twice a week.  Again, praise the Lord!  Derek appreciates the prayers.  (By the way, Derek going back to “work” is about like Al Stokes going back to “work” if you know what I mean.  I have been on a mission trip with both of them and “work” would not be a word I would use to describe either of them!)

Miss Vinnie called me yesterday morning to share that her brother is very low physically and is expected to pass at any time.  Pray, please!

There will be a graveside service for Beth Rockwell on Monday, 8/26, beginning at 11:00AM from Serenity Memorial Gardens.  Keep praying for Chuck, Greg and family.

Looking forward to our services tomorrow.  Join me as we celebrate Bro. Abel’s fifth anniversary on our staff.  “Sweet” fellowship tomorrow night.  Deacon Eddie says “not so fast my friend” on the ice cream outcome!  Deacon Vice says “watch this” on the sweet bologna.  It has gotten tense!  Still looking for some additional folks to share three minutes or less about how God has used Bro. Abel in your life.  The clock is ticking so email me like five minutes ago!  A love offering for Bro. Abel will be received.

I pray that you will have a great Saturday with Jesus.