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Obituaries 02/07/19

 Carolyn Burns Hatfield


COFFEEVILLE—Carolyn Burns Hatfield, 68, of Coffeeville passed away Wednesday, January 30, 2019, at her residence. 

Born December 28, 1950, in Grenada, she was a daughter of the late Edward and Ruby Lee Wilson Burns. Carolyn was a homemaker and a member of the Coffeeville Church of Christ. She will be remembered as a loving wife, mother, and grandmother.

The funeral was held at 2 p.m. Saturday, February 2, in the Coffeeville Church of Christ. Interment followed in the Forrest Memorial Park near Batesville with Josh Bailey, Justin Bailey, Torrie Brown, Aaron Burns, Brandon Burns, Corey Burns, Robert Burns, Kevin Kennedy, and Clark Pullen as pallbearers. The family received friends from noon until service time at the church. Arrangements were entrusted to McKibben and Guinn Funeral Service in Grenada.

Survivors include her husband, Chip Hatfield; one daughter, Brandi McCullough (Jason) of Coffeeville; a son, Carey File (Melissa) of Batesville; three grandchildren, Ben, Ab, and Lucy Bea McCullough; three sisters, Betty Drewrey (Chester), Mary Deaton (Mike) and Jo Marquis, all of Oxford; three brothers, Lynn Burns (Vickie) of Oxford, Terry Burns (Wanda) of Water Valley, and Cecil Burns of Oxford; a sister-in-law, Kimberly Joy of Heber Springs, Ark.; and 16 nieces and nephews.

Memorials may be directed to the Sardis Lake Christian Camp,176 4-H Club Rd., Batesville, MS 38606.


James Kenneth Rotenberry


COLDWATER—In the early morning of January 30, 2019, James Kenneth Rotenberry peacefully passed away just as he would have wanted, surrounded by his loving family.

Visitation was held at 11 a.m. Saturday, February 2, in Wells Funeral Home at Batesville. Visitation was followed by a Celebration of Life at noon conducted by Rev. Nick Sandusky. He was laid to rest in Magnolia Cemetery at Batesville.

Born in Crowder on September 25, 1936, James was a son of the late Kenneth Columbus and Pearl Guest Rotenberry. 

In addition to his parents, he was predeceased in death by two children, Deborah Lyn, who died at age four, and Kerry Wade, who passed away at four days old; and  by eight siblings, Jessie Arthur Rotenberry, Derral Quay Childers, Martha Gordon, Bernice Pearson, Eva Calvert, Jeanie Ervin, Cynthia Burks and Sherrie Collins.

Survivors include his wife, Peggy; two sons, Kenneth (Denise) of Madison, and Mark (Amber) of Senatobia; three grandchildren, Taylor Bryan (Wes) and Avery Rotenberry of Madison, and Kennon Rotenberry of Hernando. 

A graduate of Crowder High School, James served in the U.S. Army in Germany, returning to Mississippi to marry Peggy Bell Rotenberry in 1958. Retiring after 30 years of service at Memphis Light Gas & Water, James became a master woodworker, creating beautiful lamps and furniture. An avid hunter and freshwater fisherman, he also enjoyed watching sports on television but he often said his therapy was working in his garden. A jokester who gave many the gift of laughter, he was a friend to everyone, but his first priority was always his family.

In lieu of flowers, memorial may be made to Saint Jude Children’s Research Hospital, P. O. Box 1000, Dept. 142, Memphis, TN 38148-0142.

Drayton Rowe


MONTGOMERY, ALA.—Drayton Rowe, age 95 of Montgomery, Ala. died peacefully Saturday, February 2, 2019, in Baptist Memorial Hospital—North Mississippi at Oxford.

Born June 23, 1923, in Illinois, he was a son of the late Love and Florence Haley Rowe. He was a Lt. Commander in the United States Navy were he served for over 30 years. During his enlistment, he was involved in conflicts at Pearl Harbor during World War II, as well as in Korea and Vietnam. His joys were many and included deep sea diving, writing poetry and jingles and playing music with his friend, Hank Williams, Sr. Drayton even entered and won dance contests.
 

A memorial service is planned for 1 p.m.,  Sunday, February 10, in Seven Oaks Funeral Home. 

Survivors include his wife of 74 years, Gladys Rowe of Water Valley; a daughter, Denise Sunderland of Water Valley; six grandchildren; and one great-grandchild. 

In addition to his parents, Mr. Rowe was preceded in death by one son, Drayton Rowe, Jr.


Albert Stark


FARMERVILLE, LA—Albert Stark, age 68, of Farmerville, La., formerly of Water Valley, died Wednesday, January 30, 2019, in Union General Hospital at Farmerville.

Born August 5, 1950, in Water Valley, he was a son of the late Luke Earl and Mary Bonner Stark. Albert was a graduate of the Water Valley High School Class of 1969 where he was voted the “Most Intelligent” Boy. He received an associate degree from Northwest Community College and later went on to Ole Miss. Albert was a very gifted artist on canvas and tin, even winning five first place prizes with his tin sculptures in the Paramount Healthcare Olympics. He also loved working on all kinds of electronics, specializing in computers.

Visitation was held Monday, February 4, in the Gardiner Room of Seven Oaks Funeral Home from 10 to 11a.m., with services following in the Henry Chapel of the funeral home.  Interment was in Oak Hill Cemetery at Water Valley, with Bro. Freddie Moorman officiating.

Survivors include one sister, Ann Carr (Larry) of Water Valley;  five brothers, John Stark (Judy) and Elias “Levi” Stark, both of Guntown, Moses Stark of Baldwyn, Danny Stark (Connie) of Dalton, Ga., and Randy Stark (Lori) of Chatsworth, Ga.

In addition to his parents, Albert was preceded in death by one sister, Mary Elizabeth Mallard.


Carmelo Valez


BRUCE—Carmelo Valez, age 93, of Bruce, formerly of Niles, Michigan, died peacefully Saturday February 2, 2019, in his home.

Born December 28, 1925, in Puerto Rico, he was a son of the late Carmelo and Monsarate Padin Velez and worked for the City of Niles in the utilities department and as a translator for the city court. His  joys were many and included yard work, planting flowers and gardens, as well as dancing at the American Legion and cooking out with family.

The family will hold a funeral service in Niles, Mich. at a later date. Carmelo is survived by his wife of 66 years, LaVonde of Bruce; two daughters, Esher Redwine (Danny) and Diana Laird (George); and one son, Carlos Velez (Rosalee). In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a son, Richard Eaves.

Seven Oaks Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.

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