Gone, But Never Forgotten
No one truly leaves this class.
Here, we hold close the classmates whose lives touched us most, and the friends who served alongside us remembered by name, not just by number.
Some names, we carry differently
Fifty-five years and more have passed since the Class of 1971 graduated from two schools as one class. In that time, we have lost classmates, friends, and partners in service whose absence is still felt at every reunion. This page holds the fullest tributes the committee has gathered for the rest, every “In Memoriam” flag threaded through the Senior Directories on Our Shared Journey is this same page’s quieter twin a name-by-name way of keeping our classmates present in this history.
2026 Memorial List
Presented at the 54th Class Reunion
Today, we pause to remember the classmates we have lost. Their friendship, laughter, and lasting impact remain woven into the fabric of our class. Though absent in person, they are forever present in our memories.
"Gone from our sight, but never from our hearts."
Full Tribute
George “Smokey” Brice
Passed September 8, 2023
George "Smokey" Brice
In memory of our classmate, George "Smokey" Brice, who passed on September 8, 2023. George was a dedicated advocate and supporter of the Natchez Stewpot for many years, and gave generously of his time to other Class of 1971 programs and events in Natchez as well.
Before his passing, the class thanked George for something else he gave us: photos. He'd trek around Adams County taking pictures, hoping to give classmates pleasure and jog their memories of childhood.
Below, in Chester Barnes's own words, from his tribute to George
The Class of 1971 would like to simply thank our Classmate, George Brice, Sr., for taking us on a trip down memory lane with the many photos he posted. He treked around Adams County and took pictures that he hoped would give us pleasure and jog our memories to our childhood. Those photos were a welcome sight! Thanks for the memories, George.
George and his lovely wife Susan are God Fearing people. They are true believers in Faith, Family and Fellowship. They are proud parents and grandparents. The community they live in is oh so important to them. Education is a driving force in their lives and they are very civic minded. They believe that every child should be able to fulfill their dreams.
Willie and Lela's boy was taught well by them. They too were God Fearing people. Their value system was simply passed on to him. God was always first in their lives and the love of Family was at the forefront of everything. They believed in an honest day's work for an honest day's pay. His love of the land and work ethic come from them. No excuses in life is what he was taught by them. As a matter of fact, when George would complain about what others was doing, his Mother would simply ask, "George, did you do your part?" Damn, that sounds familiar. What they taught him is what he lives by today.
George likes to hunt, fish, and enjoy the beauty of nature. He is an environmentalist who believes in the laws of nature. When these subjects are discussed his eyes light up! As a matter of fact, the Brother's current home is right across from where he was born. He knows every nook and cranny of Adams County. In my recent conversations with him I've expressed the desire to hop in the truck and explore those areas around Natchez that I didn't get a chance to see as a young lad.
The Class of 1971 would like to again express our gratitude to George "Smokey" Brice for the trip down memory lane. We are proud to call you our Classmate!
— Chester Barnes
Full Tribute
David Lewis
October 18, 2017 · age 91
The Stewpot’s story isn’t only George Brice’s. David Lewis was a longtime volunteer at the Natchez Stewpot not a classmate, but someone whose quiet, decades-long service to the community the Class of 1971 came to admire deeply. He wasn’t after headlines; he simply went about the business of trying to better humanity in his own corner of the world.
In his honor, the Class of 1971 began an annual donation to the Natchez Stewpot, starting July 18, 2018, with $500 growing to $700 by 2022 before the final gift closed out this chapter of giving at a total of $3,600 given in David’s honor.
The class presented a plaque to his widow, DeElla Lewis, and the first $500 check with George Brice himself among those representing the class that day, alongside Stewpot board member Mary J. Gaudet, Lynette Stewart, Joanetta Wright, Jackie Lewis-Hubert, Stewpot Director Amanda Jeansonne, and Rev. Larry Wright.
Full Tribute
In Loving Memory of Diane Prater Smith
Diane Prater Smith was a cherished member of the Class of 1971 whose fearless spirit, compassionate heart, and dedication to serving others left a lasting impact on everyone who knew her. She believed in the power of leadership, community, and investing in future generations, inspiring others through her vision and unwavering commitment.
Though she is deeply missed, Diane's legacy continues to live on in the lives she touched and the friendships she treasured. She will always be remembered with love, gratitude, and admiration as a beloved classmate whose influence will never be forgotten.
The Full In Memoriam Roll
Our classmates, remembered by name.
Beyond George and David, classmates from both North and South Natchez are remembered by name, cross-referenced against both Senior Directories kept current by Chester Barnes, who has provided a memorial list like this as part of most reunions over the years. Classmate Bessie Bradley’s real-time updates on the class Facebook page help keep this list current.
“Many thanks to Chester Barnes for helping us to honor our deceased classmates. As you celebrate this Mother’s Day, please remember them and their families.”
— Ella Clark, May 13, 2018
Help Us Honor Them Fully
A memory, a photo, an obituary, a correction.
Every tribute on this page came from someone who remembered. If you have a photograph, a memory, or an obituary for a classmate who has passed, please reach out to the committee.