Mary Bernice Rayner, age 97 of Bay Springs, passed away Tuesday, February 21, 2023 at her residence.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, February 23, 2023 from 5:00 pm until 8:00 pm at Colonial Chapel Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held on Friday, February 24, 2023 at 10:00 am at Colonial Chapel Funeral Home. Burial will follow in Bethany Baptist Church Cemetery at Bay Springs. Bro. Eddie Brady and Bro. Steve Pouncey will officiate.

Mrs. Rayner was a native of Jasper County, a homemaker and a retired employee of NECO, Inc. after 38 years of service. She was a member of Bethany Baptist Church. She loved gardening, quilting and crocheting. She will be missed by her family who loved her very much.

She was preceded in death by her husband, L.V. Rayner; daughters, Janell Mahaffey and Judy Rayner; father, Bill Scott; mother, Mittie Deason Scott; step-father, Marvin Johnson; brothers, Haskel Johnson, Willie Johnson and Arnold Johnson and one great-great granddaughter, Kinley Jane Cockrell.

Survivors include her sons, Rufus J. Rayner (Patsy) of Bay Springs and Billy Ray Rayner (Connie) of Louin; six grandchildren and a host of great-grandchildren and great-great grandchildren; one sister, Mellie Sally of Simpson County.

Pallbearers will be Steve Overman, Gavin Overman, Stacy Rayner, Dusty Rayner, Jimmy Windham, and Michael Carey.

Honorary pallbearers will be Mark Rayner, David Phillips, Danny Phillips, Cooper McNeil, Robin Phillips, Glenn Phillps, Timmy Valentine, Alan Valentine, and Gary LaBlanc.

Colonial Chapel Funeral Home of Bay Springs is in charge of arrangements.