Mrs. Merle Alphire Cumbest

July 10, 1926 - July 10, 2018

Merle Burnett Cumbest of Wade, Mississippi, passed away on her 92nd birthday, July 10, 2018, at her residence surrounded by her loving family. She was born July 10, 1926, in Oneonta, Alabama, to the late Harvey and Eva Burnett. Merle was a loving mother and grandmother. She enjoyed painting, sewing, cooking her famous chicken and dumplings, traveling all around the United States, working in her yard, and spending time with her family. Several of her paintings and sewing projects won blue ribbons at the Jackson County Fair. Everyone that knew her loved her “spunky” personality. Merle was a lifelong member of Caswell Springs United Methodist Church and will be remembered for always being eager to serve. At Caswell Springs she was a member of the Road Runners and the choir. She taught Sunday School for many years and ran the Caswell Springs fair booth. Merle was a member and former president of the Wade Homemaker’s Club. She also volunteered on the first ambulance service in Jackson County known as Rescue 1. She was preceded in death by her husband, Benard Cumbest; her parents, Harvey and Eva Burnett; sisters, Fern Snell, Elnor Tidwell, and Olga Creel. Merle is survived by her loving son, Harvey (Marinell) Cumbest; grandchildren, George (Amanda) Cumbest and Chadd (Amber) Cumbest; great grandchildren, Joseph Cumbest, Alex Cumbest, Ryan Cumbest, and Karah Cumbest; along with numerous other relatives and friends. The visitation for Merle will be held on Thursday, July 12, 2018 from 12:00 pm to 2:00 pm at Caswell Springs United Methodist Church in Wade, MS. The funeral service will follow beginning at 2:00 pm with Rev. Gary Knight, Rev. H.W. Parker, and Rev. Grant McLain officiating. Interment will follow at Caswell Springs Cemetery in Wade, Mississippi. Pallbearers will be Gray Cumbest, Rustin Porter, Wesley Miles, Greg Cumbest, Ryan Cumbest, and Joseph Cumbest. Honorary pallbearers will be Bill Davis, Carroll Rockwell, Kirk Miles, Merle Goff, and Jesse Davis. In Lieu of flowers, the Cumbest family would please ask that you make donations to Caswell Springs United Methodist Church – “His Way Ministries”. The Cumbest family would like to thank Merle’s caretakers, Retha O’ Bryant, Christina “Sunshine” Sanders, and Brenda Roberts as well as Southern Care Hospice and her nurse, Nenea Bivens. Thank you for loving her like she was your own grandmother and making it possible for her to stay home in her last year. Visitation will be Thursday July 12,2018 from 12:00 pm to 2:00 pm at Caswell Springs United Methodist Church in Wade, MS. The funeral service will begin at 2:00 pm from the church sanctuary. Burial will follow in Caswell Springs cemetery. You may sign the online register book and send condolences at www.holderwellsfuneralhome.com Holder-Wells Funeral Home in Moss Point, MS is in charge of the arrangements.