Hettie Doris Ware Myrick

Hettie Doris Ware Myrick, at age 103, surrounded by her children, passed away peacefully at her home in Laurel, Mississippi, and was welcomed into the arms of Jesus on Thursday afternoon, January 8, 2026. She was born on December 22, 1922 in Taylorsville, Mississippi (Smith County) and throughout her life she was one who had a quiet spirit, one of gentle strength, and was a very trusted and loyal friend, who enjoyed the simple things and valued quietness. Growing up in Taylorsville, her younger years were filled with swimming and diving in Fisher Creek. She played basketball for the Taylorsville Tartars and, naturally, her basketball jersey was the number “22.” She always proudly remembered scoring 22 points in one quarter. As a standout upperclassman, she was called on to coach the 9th grade basketball team. After graduating from Taylorsville High School, during the national Depression years, she borrowed the money from Smith County Bank, took business college training, and then, in December 1941, at the age of 19, traveling by train from Laurel, she went to Washington, DC, where she worked as an auditor for the newly formed Social Security Administration. After a year away from home, she came back to her “sweetheart” in the small town of Laurel, Mississippi. Hettie Doris Ware married Elbert Madison Myrick on Christmas Day 1944, spending almost 48 wonderful years together until his passing in 1992. After their wedding, they moved to New Orleans, Louisiana to assist in World War II efforts. Mr. Myrick worked for the Consolidated Vultee Aircraft Company, building planes and Mrs. Hettie continued her career with the Higgins Boat Industries. After the war was over, Mr. and Mrs. Myrick moved back to Jones County where they raised their family and always enjoyed farming. Mrs. Doris was a Christian Woman of God and a member of the Matthews Community Pleasant Home Baptist Church. She loved her Lord Savior and was always heard gratefully saying, “Thank sweet Jesus!” She was blessed to live in her same home on Hwy 15 North for 80 years and can remember when Hwy 15 North was just a gravel road! Upon reaching the Centenarian mark of 100 years old, she was honored to be asked to return to her birthplace hometown of Taylorsville to serve as the 2023 Christmas Parade Grand Marshall. At this same time, the Jones County Board of Supervisors recognized and celebrated Mrs. Hettie with a proclamation. When asked how she had lived such a strong and long life, Mrs. Hettie replied, “Stay close to Jesus and then keep on pushing.” She is survived by her daughter, Cherry Miller (Mike) of Pearl; two sons, Gary Myrick (Wanda) of Laurel and Wayne Myrick of Laurel; four grandchildren who called her “Granny,” Angie Miller, Dr. Amanda Doris Shinal (Kevin), Bill Madison Myrick (Trista), and Jennifer Brewer (Richie); great-grandchildren, Roman Miller, Sarah Shinal, Edward Shinal, Taylor Shinal, Chase Myrick, Collin Myrick, Jerrod West, Maddux Brewer and Kailyn Brewer; a host of nieces and nephews on both the Myrick side and the Ware side; and sister-in-law, Carolyn Ware. In addition to her loving husband, Hettie Doris was further preceded in death by infant daughter, Beverly Sue Myrick; parents, Delus Ethel Ware and wife, Nola Edith Ainsworth Ware; twin great-granddaughters, Faith and Hope Lewis; two brothers and five sisters, Frances Dickens (Wade), Ruth LaBorde (D.J.), Johnnie Carlson (Roy), Ben Ware (Freda), Tom Ware, Jackie Schaub (Bill), and Jessie Leake. Family and friends visitation will be Monday, January 12, 2026 from 1:00-2:00 PM at Memory Chapel Funeral Home in Laurel with a service beginning at 2:00 PM. “Blessed Assurance” will be sung in remembrance of Mrs. Hettie Doris rocking each of her 3 infants to this hymn. Bro. Dave Moran and Bro. Harold Floyd will officiate. Following the service, a private graveside service with the immediate family will take place at Matthews Cemetery in Laurel, where Mrs. Hettie Doris will be laid to rest. Honored to serve as pallbearers for Mrs. Hettie Doris are Wayne Myrick, Bill Madison Myrick, Collin Myrick, Roman Miller, Edward Shinal, Maddux Brewer, and Mike Miller. The family wishes to thank everyone for your love, prayers, and your acts of kindness, during our treasured loss. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to Pleasant Home Baptist Church (462 Matthews Road, Laurel, MS 39443) or a charity of your choice. To view or sign the online guestbook, please visit www.memorychapellaurel.com.

Hettie Doris Ware Myrick

December 22, 1922 - January 8, 2026