Jai’Areria Whitsell, affectionately called “Pink,” age 15, made her transition into eternal rest on Sunday, March 24, 2019, at 5:00 am while surrounded by her loving brother and sister. She was born on March 23, 2004, in Madisonville, Kentucky to the union of Eulan Rhenea Allison (deceased) and John Whitsell.

Jai’Areria was truly dedicated to trying to meet all her health goals. She also participated in the Special Olympics where she was in the fishing game and where she competed in the wheelchair race, winning first place.

Jai’Areria attended Pride Elementary in Madisonville, KY where she was deeply loved. She also attended James Madison Middle School and graduated from Greenwood Leadership Academy with honors. She received the Dewey Moore Award and was the outstanding student of the year. This past year, she attended Harrison High School as a freshman.

Jai’Areria was preceded in death by her mother, Eulan Rhenea Allison, and her grandparents, John and Willie Dee Whitsell.

Jai’Areria leaves to cherish her memory her father, John W. Whitsell of Madisonville KY; two brothers: Jai’Arius “Jai” Allison of Evansville IN and Wesley “Wes” Noel of Madisonville KY; two sisters: Porchia “Mimi” Burroughs of Evansville IN, and Dezaree Stone Woodbey of Tucson AZ. She also leaves behind two best friends and a host of uncles, aunties, nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Services are Saturday, March 30, 2019, at 1:00 pm at Disciples of Christ Christian Worship Center, 552 E. Center Street in Madisonville, KY with Bishop Robert Garrard officiating. Visitation from 11:00 am until service time. Burial at Eastside Odd Fellows Cemetery in Madisonville. Arrangements entrusted to R. Mason Brothers Memorial Chapel. Condolences may be left at www.masonbrothersfs.com

Kenneth William Merritt passed away peacefully on March 26th, 2019 at St. Vincent Hospital.

Kenneth was born on October 12, 1960, in Evansville, into the late James Merritt and Valaida (Manion) Merritt. Kenneth graduated from Bosse High School in 1980. He married Evelyn Martin in 1982 and to this union, two children were born.

Kenneth loved sports and was a member of Alexander AME Church. In earlier years he worked for Ball Plastics and TJ Maxx. He loved being around his family and friends and would help them when he could. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother Stanley Crowe.

He leaves to cherish his memory two children Michael Merritt and Karis Merritt; sister Janita Merritt-Brown (Clayton Sr.); his niece Jaylyn Brown; nephews Clayton Brown Jr., Aharon Brown, and Jacob Brown; and a host of close cousins and friends.

Ollie Marie McNary, age 79, passed away Monday, March 25, 2019. She was born May 2, 1939, in Henderson, KY. Her parents were Everett McNary and Josie Johnson.

Ollie attended the Henderson County Schools and graduated from Douglas High School where she served as a cheerleader. She was a real sports enthusiast. She played on the Women’s Softball team and loved football, especially the Dallas Cowboys.

Ollie Marie was an active member of Seventh Street Baptist Church until her health no longer permitted her to attend. She served on the Culinary Committee and her good cooking was enjoyed by many.

Through the years, she worked at the Community Methodist Church and retired from the Henderson Housing Authority.

Ollie was preceded in death by her parents and two brothers, Everett McNary and Maurice Edmond, Sr.

She leaves behind cherished and fond memories for “the love of her life,” her son, Rodney (Angela) McNary of Indianapolis IN; four grandsons: Elijah McNary, Ethan McNary, Jarrod Lindsey, and Gabriel McNary; five great-grandchildren, and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Services will be held Monday, April 1, 2019, at 1:00 pm at Seventh Street Baptist Church in Henderson, KY with same day visitation from 11:00 am until service time. Burial at Fernwood Cemetery. Arrangements have been entrusted to Mason Brothers Audubon Chapel. Condolences may be left at www.masonbrothersfs.com