Naomi Payne Ferrell

Naomi McCraney Ferrell, 97, devoted Christian , loving mother, adoring Mimi, style icon and the extraordinary, original Steel Magnolia went home to be with the Lord on November 27, 2023. She was born in Meridian, MS on September 20, 1926 to Gean Miller Payne and Benjamin Sanford Payne. Raised in Meridian, she graduated from Meridian High School as Salutatorian of her class.

Naomi was married to William D. McCraney, Jr. on August 31, 1946.   Her mother said of Naomi,  “she loved and played with dolls all of her life until she had four dolls of her own.” At her core, “mothering” came very natural to her.  At that she excelled. During their marriage they welcomed four daughters, Naomi, Teresa, Gean Claire and Kathleen.

Naomi will be remembered for many things but one of the most important lasting legacies are her grandchildren and great grandchildren whom she prayed for daily by name.  Her deep abiding faith and putting her family before her own needs were of utmost importance to her. She drew her strength from the Lord and pointed us to Him each day.  

Naomi’s work experience included Western Union, F. W. Williams Insurance, Meridian, MS, Alta Woods Baptist Church Day Care, Receptionist for Dr. William Boteler, and Teacher’s Assistant Marshall Elementary School all in Jackson, MS.

She was a dedicated beginner and preschool Sunday school teacher for over 30 years both at Daniel Memorial Baptist Church and Alta Woods Baptist Church. Later in life she taught young adults in Sunday school at Webb Baptist Church in Webb, MS.

God blessed Naomi’s life through her marriage to Reverend Miller Lee Ferrell at Alta Woods Baptist Church on April 21, 1990.  After their wedding, Naomi joined Lee in his ministry in Webb, MS where they enjoyed serving both Webb Baptist and Brazil Baptist Church.

From a young age, Naomi showed gifted musical ability.  She was able to play any song she heard on the piano by ear and used this gift in their ministry. Naomi would play and Lee would sing.  This was one of the most fulfilling times of her life.  After retirement they moved back to Jackson and enjoyed a wonderful marriage for the remainder of their 30 years together.

Mother’s favorite saying is “ my cup runneth over”.  No matter what life looked like for mother at the time she always felt that her cup was running over with blessings from God.

Naomi was preceded in death by Gean Miller Payne (mother), Benjamin Sanford Payne (father), Beth Jones (sister),  Ed Payne (brother),  Austin Payne Phillips (grandson).

 Naomi is survived by Naomi Phillips (Byron), Teresa Aikens (Nolan),  Gean Claire Belknap (Amos),  Kathleen Foshee (Jim).  Susan Ferrell (Steve), Greg Ferrell,  David Ferrell (Lucy).

Grandchildren: Alexis Thompson (Mark), Hunter Aikens (Adrienne),  Aileen Gallagher (Jon),  Sam Belknap (Kathleen), Judson Aikens, Taryn Ward (Chris),  Victoria Hayden (Justin), Stephanie Stone (Jared), Bethany Omienski  (Jeff),  Emily Ferrell,  Mary Ferrell.  She is also survived by 14 great-grandchildren.

Pallbearers will be Dr. Byron Phillips, Mr. Nolan Aikens,  Dr. Amos Belknap, Mr. Jim Foshee,  Mr. Mark Thompson,  Mr. Hunter Aikens, Mr. Judson Aikens,  Dr. Sam Belknap.

Honorary Pallbearers will be Mr. Justin Hayden,  Mr. Chris Ward, Mr. Jon Gallagher.

Arrangements for Naomi are being handled by Chancellor Funeral Home in Byram, MS. The services are as follows:  Visitation will be Saturday, December 2, at 10:00am with the funeral immediately following at 11am at Alta Woods Baptist Church, 168 Colonial Drive, Jackson, Mississippi. The graveside service will be for the family only.

Memorials in Naomi’s name may be made to Missiondignity.org or Mission Dignity, P. O. Box 819109, Dallas, TX 75381-9109. Mission: Dignity honors retirement-age Southern Baptist ministers, workers and widows struggling to meet basic needs through advocacy and financial assistance.