Noah Maxwell Sessums, 82, died on Friday, January 15, at Anderson Regional Hospital in Meridian, Mississippi. A celebration of Max's life will be held Monday, January 18, 2021, at the Union City Cemetery in Union, Mississippi, at 11:00. Reverend Jon Martin will officiate.

Max was born on May 28, 1938, at home in Newton County, Mississippi, to Laverne Estelle Shealy Sessums and Noah Leonard Sessums. A beloved only child, Max spent his early years surrounded by his close-knit Sessums and Shealy families. It was during this time that he learned to fish, to play football, and to ramble around with his cousins and friends. He was a skilled athlete and enjoyed his years at Union High School. After graduating in 1956, Max joined the United States Army and was later stationed in Germany.

Returning from service after two years, Max married Linda Gayle Winstead in 1959. They made their home together in Union to raise their family and were faithful members of First Baptist Church. Max worked as a telegrapher and yardmaster for the GM&O and Illinois Railroads for twenty years and later owned and operated Winstead's Grocery, where he sold groceries and gas to his faithful customers until closing the store in 1998. He was also a long-standing member of the Union Country Club and spent countless hours there playing rounds, collecting golf balls and cans, and telling tall-tales.

Max never met a stranger and loved his town, so it's no surprise he was drawn to politics. He was involved in the community as a member of the local Masonic Lodge. He also served as a member of the Union Board of Aldermen for twelve years and developed a reputation for fairness and honesty. He then ran for the office of mayor and wholeheartedly assumed that responsibility for over twenty years. "The Mayor" was especially proud of receiving a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Union Chamber of Commerce in 2016.

Max lived a rich, full life. Anyone who spent a minute with him knew that he adored his family.

Pop never passed up a chance to be with his children and grandchildren. From football games to band contests to card games at the Neshoba County Fair to baptisms, Pop demonstrated such love and kindness to his family. He always showed up. He always said, "You know what? I love you more than you'll ever know. Make me proud." He always made life a little more colorful with his presence.

Survivors include his wife of sixty-two years, Gayle Sessums; his son, Terry Sessums of Union, MS; his daughters, Sheila Russell (Billy) of Lexington, MS, and Mandy Feasel (Jamie) of Union, MS; his grandchildren, Will Russell (Emilie), Sessums Russell (Hannah), Josh Sessums (Ashley), Seth Sessums, Rowan Feasel, Mary Clara Sessums, and Jude Feasel.

Max is preceded in death by his parents, Leonard and Laverne Sessums.

Pallbearers include Wayne Welch, Jerry Flake, Jeff Breland, Brad Breland, Donald Shealy, and Joey Ezelle.

Honorary pallbearers are the men and women who worked for the Town of Union between 1977-2009 and Max's fellow golfers.

Memorials may be made to the Building Fund, First Baptist Church, 400 Main Street, Union, MS 39365, or the Union Public Schools Yellowjacket Nation Foundation.