Deacon James Robert “Bobby” Souter

DEACON JAMES ROBERT (BOBBY) SOUTER was born into this life to the late Earl Souter, Sr. and Mary (Shelton) Souter on August 23, 1942 in Pontotoc, MS, being the seventh of twelve children born to this union.

James was raised up in the admonition of Christ and accepted him as his Lord and Savior at an early age and joined the Pontotoc Second Baptist Church.  He later moved his membership to Springville Missionary Baptist Church where he served faithfully as a deacon until his health no longer allowed.

As a young man, James was raised and educated in Pontotoc County and graduated from the Pontotoc Attendance Center in May 1962.  Shortly after high school, he joined the U.S. Army and served 29 years of decorated service. As a Purple Heart recipient, he served in Germany, Spain, South Korea and Vietnam.

On January 2, 1968, he married his wife of 53 years, Mae Opal (Thomas) Souter and together they raised 7 children, 4 grandchildren and one special niece.

He leaves to cherish his memory, his loving wife, Mae Opal of Pontotoc, MS; two sons William Stephens of Tupelo, MS and Richard Stephens of Pontotoc, MS,  three daughters Pamala Rogers of Chicago, IL, Helen Souter of Dallas, TX and Maria Souter of Pontotoc, MS;  four grandchildren raised in the home, Brian Thomas of Seattle, WA, Gloria Thomas of Las Colinas, TX, Joshua Thomas-Fox of Elgin, IL and Jamia Souter of Pontotoc, MS; and a special niece, Ester Souter Dabney of Pontotoc, MS, 25 grandchildren, 28 great grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews and friends.

He also leaves his siblings, one sister Marilyn Ivy of Pontotoc, MS, two brothers Wilson and David Souter both of Pontotoc, MS; and his beloved in-laws; Clemmie Davidson of Florissant, MO, Ruby Finley of Murfreesboro, TN, Gloria Brown of Tupelo, MS, Cindy Souter of Pontotoc, MS and  Charlie Wilson of Pontotoc, MS.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Earl & Mary Souter, his daughter, Barber Faye Finley, his son, James Shelton Souter and his siblings; Betty Jean, Neal, Archie, Walter, Roy, Earl Jr., Don & Sarah.

James received his heavenly rest at his home on Sunday, July 4, 2021.

His celebration of life services will be as follows:

Services will be held on Friday, July 9, 2021 at 1p.m., at Pontotoc Second Baptist Church in Pontotoc. Burial will take place at Pontotoc City Cemetery. Serenity-Autry Funeral Home of Pontotoc is in charge of the arrangements.

Visitation will be on Thursday, July 8, 2021 from 3-5p.m., at Springville Chapel M.B. Church in Pontotoc.