Don Newman Kazery, Sr

Don Newman Kazery, 99, went to be with the Lord on Thursday, April 4, 2024, after a brief illness. Visitation is Monday, April 8, at St. Peter’s Cathedral in Jackson, beginning at 11:00 a.m. A funeral mass will follow at 1:00 p.m. with burial at Lakewood Memorial Park in Jackson. 

Having lived an extraordinary life, Mr. Kazery was born to Sam and Mary David Kazery on November 23, 1924. His parents, who had immigrated from Lebanon to the United States, opened in 1921, City Grocery and Market located on Pascagoula Street, in Jackson, Mississippi. The Kazery Family owned and operated this establishment for over 35 years. At an early age, Mr. Kazery had a desire to work in his family’s grocery store. Being a people person, he loved being around the adults and the lively conversations at the store.

Mr. Kazery attended St. Joseph Catholic School and Millsaps College. Having established himself as a talented musician, in 1944, he became an original member of the Jerry Lane Orchestra. This well-known orchestra was a metro favorite playing at the popular rooftop Victory Room at the Hotel Heidenberg on Capitol Street, as well as the King Edward Hotel in Jackson. Mr. Kazery also played saxophone and violin in the Jackson Symphony Orchestra. Mr. Kazery would work at his parents’ grocery store during the day and play music at night. Later, he utilized his talents by teaching music at Piney Woods School.

While playing in the Jerry Lane Orchestra, Mr. Kazery met the love of his life, Anne Louise Chadwick, who was a fellow musician and acclaimed pianist. The couple married in 1947 and spent 67 years together. In 1951, the grocery store became Don Kazery’s Appliances. Ten years later after a building renovation and expansion, furniture was incorporated to become Don Kazery’s Furniture and Appliances.

In addition, Mr. Kazery was an exceptionally talented photographer capturing outstanding photos from his various trips overseas. He loved videoing family get togethers and birthday parties for his children and grandchildren, capturing memories for a lifetime.

Mr. Kazery also enjoyed community service. He was President of the Metro Kiwanis Club. At age 56, Mayor Dale Danks nominated him as a South Jackson representative for the Jackson Housing Authority, and The Jackson City Council unanimously approved him for this position.

Mr. Kazery loved his wife, children, grandchildren, and greatgrandchildren. He adored having his family with him, and his beloved grandchildren and great grandchildren were the light of his life. He believed that children were a gift from God. He spent most weekends with  his family and enjoyed reminiscing of the old days. Whether visiting on Saturdays at the furniture store, or enjoying Sunday lunch dates, Mr. Kazery would captivate everyone with stories of his childhood and musical days.

Mr. Kazery was a devout Catholic and loyal member of St. Peter’s Cathedral in downtown Jackson. He loved the Lord with all his heart and soul. Mr. Kazery believed that keeping God first, working hard with an honest day’s work, and always doing the right thing were rules for living one’s life. He was a man of strong faith and honorable character. He genuinely loved people. His customers would become family to him. He developed strong relationships because of the loving and genuinely caring disposition that he possessed. He never retired because he genuinely enjoyed being at his beloved furniture business and visiting people. Mr. Kazery lived a remarkable life, and his legacy will live on forever. 

“Well done, good and faithful servant.”  Matthew 25:23

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to St. Peter’s Cathedral or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.