MANTACHIE - Willa Jean McCarthy, 81, passed away on Sunday, January 19, 2025, at Countrywood Manor Assisted Living in Mantachie. She was born November 1, 1943, in Itawamba County to Floyd and Lafaye Robinson Griffie. She began her teaching career at Dorsey Elementary and then finished the majority of her 32 years at Mantachie Elementary. Jean was a member of Oak Grove Baptist Church. She enjoyed her flowers and visiting with people. She loved being around her family, especially her grandchildren.

Services will be at 2 p.m. Wednesday, January 22, at the McNeece-Morris Funeral Home Chapel in Mantachie with Bro. Rodney Lindsey officiating. Burial will be in the Oak Grove Cemetery.

Survivors include two daughters, Shauna Clouse (Scott) of Mantachie and Amanda Wheeler (Bryan) of Fulton; four grandchildren, Jacob Clouse (Hannah), Sarah Clouse (Reece), Molly Beth Wheeler, and McCarthy Wheeler; one brother, Kenneth Griffie of Amory.

She was preceded in death by her husband Billy Jack McCarthy; her parents; and two sisters, Martha Ruth Fikes and Judy Lynn Phifer.

Visitation will be from noon until service time Wednesday at the McNeece-Morris Funeral Home in Mantachie.

Condolences may be shared with the McCarthy family at www.mcneecemorrisfuneralhome.com.