The Vicksburg Post prints obituaries in news form for area residents, their family members and for former residents at no charge. Families wishing to publish additional information or to use specific wording have the option of a paid obituary.

Melissa Ruth Johnson.

Melissa Ruth Johnson died Thursday, March 16, 2006, at Madison Parish Hospital. She was 8.

A lifelong resident of Vicksburg, Melissa was a student at Dana Road Elementary School and a Girl Scout. She was a member of First Baptist Church of Newellton, La.

She was preceded in death by her grandmother, Ruth Johnson.

She is survived by her parents, Tim and Debra Johnson; her brother, Joseph Wempren IV; her grandparents, O.L. &#8220Buddy” and Bonnie Johnson, of House, Miss., and W.J. &#8220Jap” and Daisy Boone, of Newellton, La.; and other relatives.

Services will be at 3 p.m. Sunday in the chapel at Frank J. Fisher Funeral Home with the Rev. Todd Sumrall officiating. Burial will follow at Cedar Hill Cemetery. Visitation will be from 5 until 7 p.m. today at the funeral home.

Memorials may be made to Dana Road Elementary, 1247 Dana Road, Vicksburg, MS 39180.

Pallbearers will be George Culley, Billy Davis, Brian Johnson, Kevin Johnson, Charles Kleinhans and Charlie Tedder.

Paul Kenney Jr.

Paul Kenney Jr. died Thursday, March 16, 2006, at River Region West Campus in Vicksburg. He was 70.

A veteran of World War II, Mr. Kenney was of the Baptist faith.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Paul Kenney Sr. and Pearline Buckner Kenney.

Survivors include his wife, Rosie Lee Hales Kenney of Vicksburg; one son, Paul Kenney III of Vicksburg; two daughters, Mary K. Pierce of De Rio, Texas and Chavonne Allen of Vicksburg; six brothers, Percy White and Robert Kenney, both of Vicksburg, Eddie Lee Green of Blanton, Larry Green of Gulfport, Gary Buckner of Jackson and Johnny Mae Buckner of Washington, D.C.; two sisters, Annie Tankson of Lakeland, Fla., and Jenny Rodriguez of Glen Allen, Ill.; nine grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; and nieces, nephews and other relatives.

Bobbie Jean Rayford.

Bobbie Jean Rayford died Saturday, March 11, 2006, at Sharkey-Issaquena Hospital in Rolling Fork. She was 51.

A teacher’s assistant, Mrs. Rayford was employed with South Delta Elementary School in Rolling Fork.

Survivors include one son, Joshua Collins of Anguilla; one brother, the Rev. Bobby Rayford of Chicago; five sisters, Ruthie Collins and Debra Faye Robinson, both of Hollandale, Eliza Rayford of Nashville, Brenda Finch of St. Louis and Mary Ann Matts of Chicago; and a special friend, Darrell Wood of Rolling Fork.

Services will be at 2 p.m. Sunday at South Delta High School Auditorium with the Rev. Bobby Rayford officiating. Burial will follow at Daney Cemetery in Delta City under the direction of Walker Funeral Home in Rolling Fork. Visitation will be from 12:30 p.m. Sunday until the hour of service at the school auditorium.