Scottie L. Bright

JACKSON, Miss. — More than 200 friends and family packed the pews of New Ebenezer Baptist Church in Jackson to remember Staff Sgt. Scottie Lee Bright, who was killed in Iraq earlier this month.

On what would have been Bright’s 37th birthday on Saturday, the soldier’s funeral was described as a “homecoming celebration” to what the Rev. Dan Day said was “his new address: heaven.”

Bright died July 5 from wounds suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated near his Humvee during a patrol in Baghdad. One other soldier was killed in the attack.

“He was a wonderful husband and father. ... He had a beautiful heart,” said his widow, Carolyn. “He is loved by his family very much.”

Since operations began in Iraq and Afghanistan, 36 soldiers with Mississippi ties have died.

Bright, a 14-year Army veteran, recently was stationed at Fort Carson, Colo., as a member of the 3rd Squadron, 3rd Armored Cavalry...