Connye Jo Gifford, affectionately know as "Mama Jo", passed away at the age of 73 in Southaven, MS.  Mrs. Gifford was preceded in death by her husband, John Gifford; parents, David Lee and Atha Lorene Melton; brother, Johnny Ray; and long-time friend, Darrell Hudson.  She is survived by her daughter, Cathy Elaine; son, Darren Brown (Vanessa); son, Jacob Gifford (Sara); grandchildren: Nolan Ryan Brown (Megan), Heather Jo Sanders (Blake), Sherry Reeves, Jennifer Reeves, Shane Furnish, Josh Brown, and Crystal Ward; and 10 great-grandchildren.  Two of her greatest passions in life were music and bowling.  She was also involved with the Red Hat Ladies.  The family will receive friends for a time of visitation Friday, December 7, 2018 from 1:00-2:00 p.m., with a funeral service to follow a 2:00 p.m. Both visitation and service will be held at Forest Hill Funeral Home, Midtown on Elvis Presley Blvd.  Burial will immediately follow at Forest Hill Cemetery, South on Holmes Rd.