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NATCHEZ – Services for Loveta Jones Byrne of Natchez who died March 27, 2024, will be held April 4, 2024, at 9:30 a.m. at St. Mary Basilica. Visitation will immediately precede the service from 8:30 until 9:30 a.m. at the basilica, with burial following at Natchez City Cemetery under the direction of Laird Funeral Home.

Loveta was born in Meadville, MS, the daughter of John L. Jones and Helen Sullivan Bearden.

After growing up in Meadville, she lived most of her life in Natchez where she was involved in various civic, church, social, and business activities. She entered the business world in the 1970s with the El Farol Spanish Shop, Serendipity, Cream Cheese, Pompous Palate, and the Sidetrack Restaurant. She also restored the antebellum home Glenburnie and lived in and ran a B&B at The Burn in Natchez and Anchuca in Vicksburg.

She was an avid Bridge and Mahjong player and loved her many friends. She most enjoyed her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and seeing their many accomplishments in life.

She was preceded in death by her parents; one sister, Doris Jones Scarborough, and son-in-law, Adolf Jonaitis.

She is survived by two daughters, Patricia Mullins Jonaitis and Kristie Byrne Chandler (John); son Kevin Byrne (Rossi); grandchildren, Madison Bishop (William), Christopher Chandler (Jessie), Juliana Byrne, Wesley Chandler, Lucas Byrne, and Gabriel Byrne; and great-grandchildren, Wyatt Chandler and Nora Bishop. She is also survived by two sisters, Gail Bearden of Van Nuys, CA, and Pamela Jones of Memphis, TN; two brothers, Billy Joe Jones (Joyce) of Woodville, and Charles Bearden (Sherry) of Natchez, and a number of nieces and nephews.

The family requests memorials be made to the Natchez City Cemetery or a charity of your choice.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at lairdfh.com.