Stephen James Hood

Stephen James Hood, age 64, of Vancleave, MS passed away on Friday, June 20, 2025 after a courageous battle with head and neck cancer.  He was born November 10, 1960 in Lucedale, Mississippi to James Lavern Hood and Audrey Lenore Ice Hood. 

Stephen graduated from Moss Point High School in 1978. He was the owner of Hood's Feed and Seed Store in Vancleave for over 30 years and retired from IMIA in Mobile, Alabama. He enjoyed working in his yard and teaching his grandchildren.  Stephen was a member of First Baptist Church in Vancleave.

He is preceded in death by his parents; son, John Michael Hood; grandson, Ethan Matthews; two sisters, Deanna Wooten and Debra Bradley

 He is survived by his devoted wife of 44 yrs, Emily Hood; two daughters, Amanda Kay O’Brien and Stephanie Diane Matthews (Harold); one sister and one brother, Donna Griffin, and Michael Hood (Venus); four grandchildren, Kevin “Mississippi” O’Brien, Micheal “Chancey” O’Brien, Brennen Matthews, and Olivea Matthews; a host of nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews, other relatives and friends. 

Visitation will be Friday, June 27, 2025, 10:00-11:00am at Gautier O’Bryant-O’Keefe Funeral Home, 3290 Ladnier Road.  Funeral Service will begin at 11:00am with his dear friend John Watson officiating the service.  Interment will follow at Vancleave Cemetery on Jim Ramsey Road. Pallbearers will be Mississippi O’Brien, Marcus Watson, Will Watson, Boe Parnell , Todd Vanhorne and Jim Vanhorne.

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