Funeral services for Mrs. Edna Joyce Boatman Bright of Stewart will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, September 13, in the Oliver Funeral Home Chapel, with burial following in Reeds Chapel Baptist Church Cemetery in Stewart. Rev. Randy Bridges will officiate the service. Pallbearers will be Doss Earnest, Matthew Bright, Ryan Bright, Andrew Bright, Michael Bright, and Evan Ellis.
Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service at the funeral home.
Mrs. Bright passed away Wednesday, September 10, 2025, at the Baptist Medical Center in Jackson, MS at the age of 78. She was born to Arnold and Edna Eloise Cox Boatman on November 13, 1946. She was a member of Church of Christ Restored in Stewart and a homemaker.
She is survived by her daughter, Amanda Bright Ellis (Richie) of Pearl; sons, Tim Bright (Linda) of Duck Hill, Robert Bright (Tammy) of Stewart and Carl Bright (Billy) of Stewart; brothers, Arnold Boatman (Patricia) and Eddie Boatman (Sue) both of Stewart; twelve grandchildren; seventeen great-grandchildren and a host of nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, William Ernie “Boukum” Bright; son, Michael “Mike” Bright; sister, Mary Edna Boatman Orlansky and brother, John Boatman.
Memorial contributions may be made to Reeds Chapel Cemetery Fund, PO Box 104, Eupora, MS 39744.
Many previous memories of our dear cousin Edna Joyce . Her precious smile and chuckle will be missed . We are praying for all her family . Love and many prayers from your Uncle Virgil and Aunt Frances Boatman children on Boatman Hill .❤️🙏🏼💐🌻
Bright Family,
I am so very sorry for your loss. I remember her from when I was a very young girl and would visit my Uncle Jack in Stewart. She was always so tolerant of us kids.. always at least 5 or more us in and out and up and down the gravel road to play. I haven’t seen her since those days but I have never forgotten her sweet spirit. Bless each of you in the days ahead. 🙏🙏🙏❤️❤️
About 10years ago; I married Jay, and I immediately felt a connection Mrs Joyce as soon as I met her and felt like she was my own family. She was the sweetest soul. I will miss her dearly, and her conversations, stories and memories of her and William, and her children, grands and so on. She was so proud of everyone. Rest easy Mrs Joyce, until we meet again sweet lady <3