Services for Mr. Billy Joe Alexander are 2 p.m. Tuesday, March 12, 2019, at Calvary United Pentecostal Church with burial at Roberts Memorial Cemetery.

Visitation is from 5 until 9 p.m. Monday, March 11, 2019, at Calvary. Visitation will resume at noon until time of service on Tuesday.

Mr. Billy Joe Alexander, 81, died Saturday, March 9, 2019, at his home in Jayess, Mississippi, following a lengthy illness. He was born on Dec. 9, 1937, in Jayess, Mississippi, to Clyde C. Alexander and Luna Belle Roberts Alexander.

As a young boy, his family moved to Baton Rouge, Louisiana. He graduated from Baton Rouge High School in 1957 and attended the First Pentecostal Church of Baton Rouge. It was there that he met his wife, Juanita Mizell, and they married in 1959. After moving to Jayess they were members of Calvary United Pentecostal Church.

Billy had a passion for genealogy and enjoyed researching his own family tree, as well as the family history of others.

He spent many hours accumulating information, visiting grave sites and libraries, and talking to others in order to pursue this favored hobby. He was a member of the Walthall County Historical Society. He enjoyed visiting with his cousins and family and helping to organize family reunions.

Later in life, he began painting and enjoyed this tremendously until failing health caused him to stop.

Preceding him in death were his parents; wife, Juanita Mizell Alexander; brother, James Alexander; sister, Lenace Alexander Dunaway.

Survivors are his son and daughter-in-law, Dean and Debbie Alexander; his grandson and wife, Lee and Holly Alexander; four precious great-grandchildren who brought much joy to his heart, Ava, Olivia, Mason, and Noah Alexander; sister, Helen Ratcliff; sister-in-law, Ideva Alexander; and numerous nieces and nephews. He is also survived by a very special niece and nephew, Damoris “Marcie” and Bruce Davis, who gave much love and support for many years.

The family extends special thanks to his cousin, Betty Ruth Colyer, who lovingly devoted herself to his care for over three years. Also special thanks to Rhonda, Judy, Charlie, Rosa, Toshiba, Shanne, Dorcas and Nicole who treated him so kindly and respectfully during his illness. Finally, the compassionate help and professional care of the nurses, aides and personnel of Encompass Home Health and Hospice are greatly appreciated.

Condolences and other information are available online at www.riverwoodfamily.com.