Melissa Marie "Missy" (Smith) Ladner

Melissa Marie Ladner, 51, passed away Sunday, July 30, 2023 in Wiggins. She was born September 24, 1971 in Bogalusa, LA., the daughter of Stan Newcomb and Barbara Price, but was adopted and raised by her grandparents, Overtis and Barbara Smith. She grew up in Poplarville, a South MS country girl from the start. She attended Poplarville schools, graduating with the Hornet Class of 1990. She married Christopher Ladner and they made their home on Poplarville, raising five children together. Missy stayed at home and took care of her babies. She enjoyed cooking, especially baking cakes, doing crafts such as painting and more. She was Missy, and if you knew her, you understand. She was a strong woman who fought her cancer diagnosis fervently for ten years, with a sweet, determined spirit and a very positive outlook on life. A loving daughter, sister, wife, mother, and grandmother, Missy will be greatly missed by all whose life she touched. She was preceded by both her parents and her grandparents. Left to cherish her memories are: her children, Crystal (Trey) Scruggs of Perkinston, Mason (Kaydee) Smith, Megan Ladner and Tara Stone, and Caitlin (Brandon) Stewart, all of Wiggins, Maverick (Hope) Ladner of Hurley, and Chandler McKree (Madison Moulds) of Hattiesburg; and her brothers, Kerry (Cristyn) Price of Poplarville, and Jerry Price of Wiggins. Missy leaves a legacy of nine grandchildren: Fisher, Holdyn, Memphis, and Conley Scruggs, all of Perkinston, with Greyson, Adelynn, and Joshua Stewart, all of Wiggins, Emma McKree of Hattiesburg, and Elijah Ladner of Hurley, along with numerous extended family and friends. Missy's final wishes were to be cremated, which her family is honoring. A Celebration of Life will be held in her honor at Berean Baptist Church on Saturday, August 5th, beginning at 4:00 PM. Per Missy's wishes, her ashes will be scattered near a waterfall at a later date. Trinity Funeral Services is honored to serve the Ladner family in their time of need and asks that you remember them in your thoughts and prayers through this trying time.