Claudene Johns Massey, 79, passed away peacefully surrounded by her family that cherished her dearly on September 12, 2017. She was born on November 19, 1937. Mrs. Massey was an active member of Friendship Baptist Church in Sturgis, MS. She retired as secretary to the Director of the Mississippi State University Extension Service after 35 years, previously working for Security State Bank for 8 years and Kroger for 2 years.

Survived by her husband of 62 years, Paul Massey; sons Steve (Amy) Massey & Ronnie (Felicia) Massey of Starkville, MS; grandchildren Tasha (Mark) Massey Maupin of Logan, AL, Dixie (Steven) Massey Albright, Daisy (Brad) Massey Davis, Shelby Massey & Houston Massey all of Starkville, MS; great-grandchildren Jacob Maupin & Branson Maupin of Logan, AL, Wyatt & Madelyn Davis and Scarlett Albright all of Starkville, MS; sister Nellie Johns Caldwell of Columbus, MS and a host of nieces and nephews.

Proceeded in death by her parents E.C. Johns and Pearl Johns, grandson Matthew Massey, brother Harold Johns and sister Evelyn Johns Freeman.

Visitation is scheduled for Thursday from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Welch Funeral Home. Funeral service is Friday at 11:00 a.m. at Friendship Baptist Church with visitation prior to the service at 10:00 a.m. Bro. Dan Robertson & Bro. Hal Selby will be conducting the service. Burial will be at Craig Springs Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to: St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital (501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105) and Shriners Hospitals for Children – Shreveport (Attn: Development Office, 3100 Stamford Ave., Shreveport, LA 71103).