Alma Dell Magee Clawson , 86, passed away peacefully in her home on Good Friday, April 10, 2020.   We will have a one-hour visitation for family and the closest of friends on Tuesday, April 14, 2020  at Hartman Hughes Funeral Home in Tylertown, Mississippi,  followed by gravesite burial at Magee's Creek Baptist Church Cemetery.

"Dell" was born in Hodge, Louisiana to parents Hilda Brumfield Magee and Jack "JD" Magee. She was raised in New Orleans, but spent many wonderful times in Darbun with her large family – the Magee's and Brumfield's! She loved the country and became a well-known genealogist, spending time talking to people in the county and searching through cemeteries for information. She published 4 genealogies, wrote regular articles for the Tylertown Times, and published two novels. She was an excellent painter, and a spirited soprano, singing in the New Orleans opera and her church choirs for decades. She was a history buff and very patriotic, belonging to the Daughters of the American Revolution, the Historical Society, helped to set up the Railroad Museum in Tylertown, and during the years headed up over 13 clubs in Walthall County. Dell, often called "Red" by her Daddy was a spirited, confident, determined, talented woman who was loved by many. She lived an extraordinary life. She could command the room, and often would let you know what she thought without being asked.

Her children knew she just had to give you the look and you better get in line. She was a dedicated mother first and foremost. She treasured her children, and was very proud of each and every one of us – often saying "I have a President, a Minister of Music, a Captain of the New Orleans Fire Department, a Nurse and a Marine! While we would sometimes say "Geeze" we knew she loved us so much and we made her so proud. Mom made friends everywhere she went, she was stunningly beautiful, made people laugh, and boy could she talk – but mostimportantly she made us proud too!

She was preceded in death by her husband, Richard Wilson Clawson; her father Jack "J.D" Magee, her step-mother Hazel Magee; her mother, Hilda Brumfield Mascair, and step father, John Edward Mascair, her precious son Bruce Allan Clawson, who died on April 10, 1966 in  an automobile accident when he was 4 years old, and her beloved brother, Buiel Larou Magee, and loving  Brother-in-law Al Harrison.  Our grandparents were absolutely the best and taught us to work hard, love our family and respect others. Mom shared a wonderful spirit, which she got honestly and led by example as she was hardworking, grateful and expected a lot. We believe this extended family of ours has been strong, close and provided a foundation for us all.

All whom loved her dearly will never forget her tenacity, wit, charm, grace and undying love and caring for them. She leaves behind her children: Rebecca Vance, Stevenson (Steve) Clawson, (wife Cheryl), Michael Buiel Clawson (wife Gail), Ramah Roxanne Bordelon, (husband Randall) and Richard (Rick) Russell Clawson (wife Tanya); Granddaughters: Jennifer Scripps, Lacey Clawson, Katie Tortorich, (husband Thomas); Jessica Clawson,  Sarah Clawson, and Brielle Bordelon,  Grandsons: Stevenson Clawson (wife Christina), John Paul Clawson (wife Ashley) , Samuel Clawson (wife Sara Lynn), Scott Clawson (wife Sarah), Stuart Clawson, Joshua Bordelon, Benjamin Bordelon; Great Grandchildren: Ayden Tortorich,  Adeline Scripps,  Sophia Clawson,  Ellery Tortorich,  Scarlett Clawson,  Kaylynn Clawson,  Samuel Clawson  and John Paul Clawson,  Sister-in-Law,  Jean and Bill Bourdon and  Sister-in-law, Mary Ann Harrison. AND, she leaves behind quite a few belongings, of which we aren't sure what to do with — if you know her you will understand!

We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks and love to the ladies that helped to care for our mother this past year – they have been angels and have treated mom as their own. We don't know what we would have done without them – Melanie Cefalu, Diane Martin, Jewel Manning, Tricia Thornhill, Patricia Lee, and Marilyn Charlton. Encompass Hospice has been equally caring and thank them from the bottom of our hearts – Jennifer, Jessica, Lisa, Sherralann, Kelsey, and Amanda.

Thank You!

• We will schedule a "Celebration of our Mom's Life" to be held at Magee's Creek Church to honor our mother when we are able and will inform everyone of the date.