J. L. Dearman was born to Leonard and Myrtle Dearman on April 27th, 1943, in Clarke County, MS. J. L. Passed from this life surrounded by his loving family on January 22nd, 2026.
J. L. was full of life and always had a sense of humor. He enjoyed playing jokes and making his family laugh. He enjoyed making sure his family was always smiling.
J. L. Also was a jack of all sorts of trades. He built a grill and even a whole car port. He could fix anything. He was also very hardworking and took good care of his family.
He loved his family so much and would do anything for them. He especially loved his grandchildren and doting on them. He even took care of his Mother-in-Law because he loved his family that much
He loved his wife dearly. He treasured her so much in the 24 years they were married and always made sure she knew that and he also made sure others knew that she was the best woman ever.
J. L. is preceded in death by his parents, Leonard and Myrtle Dearman; son, Joey Dearman; and brothers, Sam Dearman, Jerry Dearman, and Roger Dearman.
J.L. is survived by his devoted wife, Nelda Dearman; sons, Danny Dearman (Lisa) and Shane White (Sommer); Daughters, Angie Meitzen (Rick), Shana Davis (Jon), Miranda Cunningham, Kristie Skipper (Randy) and Shavon Armstrong; Grandchildren, Christopher Gray, Matthew McCraw, Bradyn McMullan, Layla White, David Dearman (Erica), Krystal Fecteau (Austin), Janey Perryman (Kyle), Sydney Cunningham, Matt Dugas, Abigail Cunningham, Emily Cunningham, Blaze Howard (Jessica), Storm Howard, Skyye Howard, Aaron Skipper (Dana), Ethan Skipper, Rebecca Stanwood (Dusty) and Pam Comans; Great Grandchildren, Abigail Dearman, James Wyatt Dearman, Harper Fecteau, Jack Fecteau, Paisley Perryman, Granger Hall, Delta Perryman, Rosie, Parker Skipper, Livi Skipper and one on the way; Sister, Elizabeth Smith; and Numerous Nieces and Nephew
Serving as Pallbearers, Aaron Skipper, Danny Dearman, Ethan Skipper, Shane White, Kyle Perryman, and Jon Davis. Serving as Honorary Pallbearer is Bill Davenport.
An evening visitation will be held on Monday, January 26, 2026, from 6 to 8 PM. The following day, Tuesday, January 27, 2026, Chapel Service will begin at 1 PM with visitation an hour prior to service. Brother Josh Green will be officiating the service.
The staff of Webb & Stephens Funeral Homes-Downtown is grateful for the opportunity to honor J L’s life and memory and to serve his loving family during this time.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
2514 7th St P.O. Box 788, Meridian, MS 39301

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read more
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read moreIf you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more