Ilean Olivia Brister, 93, of Jayess, MS passed away July 22, 2024 at Southwest Mississippi Regional Medical Center surrounded by her loving family.

She was born to her parents, George and Golda Rushing Etheridge, April 22, 1931.  Sis. Ilean was the oldest member of New Bethel Jesus Name Church when she passed away, where she had been a faithful member for over 60 years. She loved the Lord with all of her heart, and loved worshiping Him. She was an excellent cook who could fry the best fried chicken ever, and she loved helping others. To know her was to love her. She and her sister, Bronis, worked for several years at the famous restaurant, T. Pittari's in New Orleans before moving back home to Jayess. She also sat with the elderly for many years before she retired.

Preceded in death by her only daughter, Judy Pat Brister and grandbaby, and son-in-law, Levell Brister; her husbands, Claude Greer, Bob Branton and Bro. Buford Brister: three sisters, Donis Ham, Bronis Lee, and Dorothy Kennedy; four brothers, Jewel, Arlie, Philip and Tate Etheridge; and one special "son," who was dearest to her heart, Doy Burnette.

Aunt Ilean is survived by her two devoted nieces, who lovingly cared for her for many years, and whom she loved as her own, Shirley Lambert and Linda Bennett; one sister, Relda Cade of Denham Springs, Louisiana, and many loving nieces and nephews who loved her very much.

She leaves behind a special friend who was "like a daughter-in-law" to her, Eveline Brister; she is also survived by her Brister children and families, Clayton Brister of Jayess, Linda Cox, and Joyce Pittman, of Foxworth, MS, Melanie Samuel, Rose Durbin, and Lou Anna Brake of Seneca, MO, Sandra Keener, Wyandotte, OK, Agdon of Joplin, MO, Samuel of Seneca, MO and Ross Brister of Racine, MO.

Visitation will be held Friday, July 26, 2024 at New Bethel Jesus Name Church from 1:00 PM until services at 3:00 PM. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. Pastor Gary D. Robinson and Rev. Bobby Lambert will officiate.

Pallbearers will be her nephews, Travis Odom, Don Cade, Neil Burnette, Major Burnette, Jason Etheridge, and Chad Dentry.